STARS provides support during G7 Summit

STARS was honoured to play a pivotal role in providing critical care during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alta., this June. The organization was contracted to provide our services should they be required during the summit. It was no small task but also not a new concept to STARS as we had previously provided these services years ago.

What is G7?

G7 (Group of Seven) is an intergovernmental organization of seven of the world’s largest advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Each year, these countries meet at a summit hosted by a member nation to discuss pressing global challenges such as trade, economic growth, climate change, international security, and policy coordination. This year’s summit took place from June 15 to 17 in and around the Kananaskis region in Alberta.

STARS Coordination: behind the scenes

Planning for STARS’ involvement at G7 began in September 2024, as the sole provider of rotary-wing medevac services for the summit. STARS coordinated closely with Health Canada, Alberta Health Services, EMS, the RCMP, the Canadian military, and other federal agencies.
The sheer amount of internationally protected persons at G7 meant the security measures were unparalleled. The STARS team — including four air medical crew members, four pilots, and an on-call air maintenance engineer — underwent rigorous security screening and worked only within the summit’s restricted zone, going through regular checkpoints under the RCMP.

“There were very strict protocols with checkpoints, security scanning, vehicle searches by K9 units and x-ray machines, as well as passes that must be worn at all times,” said Josh Nash, provincial director of Alberta operations.

STARS flew one mission from the event. While details remain confidential, the mission highlighted STARS’ expertise in delivering critical care in high pressure circumstances.

“What stood out to me was the exceptional professionalism and attention to detail shown by our crews and leaders — not just in planning, but throughout the summit,” said Nash. “Organizing such an event is a true team effort involving countless hours of coordination with both internal and external stakeholders.”

Thank you to all our allies, whose dedication to our mission enables us to be a trusted partner in the most high-profile circumstances.