STARS encourages public to prioritize safety this May long weekend

CALGARY, May 13, 2025 – As Canadians gear up to enjoy the May long weekend, STARS is encouraging the public to make a plan and stay safe when they head out, especially into remote or recreational areas.

For many, the May long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer — but for emergency responders like those at STARS, it signals the start of trauma season. Activities like quadding, dirt-biking, cottaging and even camping can quickly turn dangerous when safety takes a backseat.

“It’s one of the busiest weekends of the year for STARS. People return to the back country, hit the highways on motorcycles or ATVs, and take full advantage of the outdoors,” said John Griffiths, Director of STARS Emergency Link Centre. “It’s a great time, but it also comes with higher risk. And as potential harms increase, our team is always ready. We plan, staff and prepare to make sure we’re there when our patients need us most.”

With increased activity, comes increased call volumes. On average, STARS Emergency Link Centre (ELC) receives approximately 200 calls during May long weekend. In 2024, they flew 29 missions over the weekend with many missions directly related to travel and recreation including ATV incidents, gunshot wounds, mountain bike accidents and vehicle trauma. STARS flies 20 per cent of total May missions over those three days. Many of these calls come from rural or remote regions, where STARS plays a vital role in getting critically ill or injured patients to care quickly.

The STARS ELC team is responsible for coordinating emergency responses in Alta. and Sask. with preparations for May long weekend beginning well in advance. Staffing plans are carefully built to ensure full coverage across the weekend.

While STARS is known for its helicopters, only about one in five calls results in a helicopter being dispatched. The ELC team supports every critically ill or injured patient they’re contacted about, whether a helicopter launches or not. That includes coordinating with ground EMS and other first responding agencies, local hospitals, and fixed-wing aircraft. This way the STARS Emergency Link Centre acts as a communication hub, ensuring each patient receives the right care at the right time. That’s why the team also shares the important reminders to help the public stay safe before help is ever needed.

“We urge the public to travel safely. Avoid driving fatigued or at night if you can. That’s when wildlife is active, and collisions can happen fast,” Griffiths said. “Always wear your helmet. Whether you’re on a quad, bike or motorcycle, head injuries are a common and devastating cause of trauma — and they’re often preventable.”

Thanks to evolving technology, STARS recommends backcountry users carry tools and devices like satellite phones or GPS beacons — such as a Garmin inReach — in areas without cell coverage. Travellers should always share plans with someone they trust and those going into the woods or mountains should carry bear spray to help stay safe around wildlife.
Safety is a community effort, and STARS is just one link in the chain of survival, Griffiths recognizes the hard work of all responding agencies responsible for keeping Canadians safe during the May long weekend.

“We rely on our colleagues in EMS, fire, and law enforcement. Everyone plays a role in saving lives. It’s a team effort, every single time,” he said.

As Canadians hit the road, the trails and the lakes this May long, STARS will be ready — skies clear, rotors spinning, and the Emergency Link Centre on standby.

For more information on how to stay safe on the roads this long weekend visit: Drive safe this May long weekend | Royal Canadian Mounted Police

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For more information contact:

Natalie Hofstetter, STARS | mediainfo@stars.ca | 1-866-966-8277

About STARS
STARS was born from the conviction that no one should go without the care that could save their life. Operating 24/7 from bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg, STARS is your best hope in a worst-case scenario. If you need critical care, our mission is to be there for you—physically or virtually—in whatever capacity we can help. Because when it comes to the next patient who needs us, it’s never too far. Learn more at stars.ca