The Manitoba government has signed a new contract with Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) to continue emergency patient air transport to critically ill or injured Manitobans.
Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced Thursday, “STARS is one way we are investing in rural health care and strengthening services for Manitobans. In an emergency, every second counts – STARS delivers 24-7 emergency care that can help stabilize patients and get them to a hospital as fast as possible. We know STARS gives rural communities the comfort and peace of mind they deserve that emergency help is always available.”
Under the new contract, the STARS Airbus H145 helicopter – equipped as a mobile intensive care unit and staffed by a minimum of four crew members – will continue to provide primary scene response to patients with critical acuity levels and time-sensitive needs, as well as interfacility transport for patients requiring specialty care, the minister noted.
Asagwara said “STARS has provided more than a decade of continuous service, providing critical care rotary-wing services in Manitoba since 2012.”
Last year, STARS flew over 1,200 missions in Manitoba.
