Our STARS Patients

It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter where you are. If you need critical care, our mission is to be there for you in whatever capacity we can help. Every one of our VIPs — Very Important Patients — has a unique story of how STARS was their best hope in a worst-case scenario. We are honoured to share some of their inspirational stories here.

If you are one of our VIPs and would like to meet your crew or share your story, please email us at vip@stars.ca.

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Tyler Lister

When a bout with pneumonia took a serious turn, Tyler Lister needed urgent care at specialized hospital. STARS was called, and Tyler's life was saved.

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STARS Very important Patient Tyler Lister poses with his mother and members of the STARS crew that worked to provide critical care when he needed it.

Paula Johnson

A casual horseback ride with friends took a turn when Paula’s mount spooked and she was thrown to the ground. Local crews responded and STARS landed at her remote location, ensuring she quickly had the essential care she needed.

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STARS Very Important Patient Paula Johnson poses with two of her horses at sunset during a late winter day.

Wade Cassidy

Wade Cassidy was waist-deep in the water near his lakeside cabin when a massive heart attack struck. “I didn’t have hours,” he recalled. “I had minutes.” As family, friends, and emergency responders rallied to help, STARS launched from more than 200 km away.

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portrait of STARS Very Important Patient Wade Cassidy standing on the dock of the lake at his house where he required STARS critical care.

Theo Konidas

Teenager Theo Konidas was enjoying a snowmobile ride when a patch of ice resulted in a near-fatal crash. His parents performed CPR, local emergency crews arrived, and STARS responded. “I wouldn’t be here without them,” says Theo.

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A teenage boy wearing a helmet and cold-weather gear leans against a stationary snowmobile.

Sean Rickards

When Sean Rickards became wedged between a semi-truck and an earthmover, it nearly ended his life, but teamwork and skill by everyone who responded fought numerous odds and gave him the second chance he deserved.

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STARS Very Important Patient Sean Rickards stands on a worksite where the excavator and dump truck that pinned him work in the background.