WHAT’S NEW, WHAT’S NEXT, WHAT’S UP AT STARS
SPRING 2013
Faster, further and more spacious
AgustaWestland helicopter joins the STARS fleet
The AgustaWestland 139 is poised to take flight
in Alberta.
The much-anticipated addition of STARS’ newest
helicopter was made official in mid-December
when it was unveiled at the STARS base in
Edmonton. The roughly 200 guests, including
donors, crew and staff, were thrilled to see the
gleaming red air ambulance in person.
Its purchase was made possible thanks to the
generosity of more than 1,300 donors who
raised the $26.5 million needed to buy two
AW139s for STARS.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Anatomy of the AW139
GALA makes history
“When you look up into the sky and see that big
red helicopter, know that you put it there,” Fran
Olson, of the vision critical campaign – a onetime fundraising initiative – told donors. “That’s
your helicopter, your baby.”
Founder Dr. Greg Powell
earns international
recognition
Although it was delayed by the regulatory
process, then by the availability of the de-iced
version of the helicopter before being grounded
in New Jersey as a hurricane barreled down,
the AW139 found its way home.
stars.ca
Andrea Robertson, STARS president and CEO,
said the organization never lost sight of the
goal. “The journey here has not been a straight
line,” said Robertson. “There were delays
along the way – the last of which was caused
by Hurricane Sandy. Through it all, we never
lost our determination and drive to bring this
state-of-the art helicopter home to Alberta. The
chance to save more lives was the inspiration
we needed to keep moving forward.”
Robertson also thanked supporters. “The real
heroes today are the many donors who made
this accomplishment possible. Without them,
the AW139 would still be on our wish list. Today,
it’s in our hangar.”
The AW139 medically equipped helicopters will
enhance access to emergency pre-hospital
critical care through more rapid response,
an expanded service area, a larger medical
interior, more powerful lift capacity, and a
de-icing system that will enable flight during
adverse weather conditions.
The helicopter is the first of two new AW139
helicopters purchased by STARS for service in
Alberta, with the second arriving later this year.
Minister of Health Fred Horne called the AW139
the future of health care and emphasized the
impact STARS has on patient care. “This new
helicopter will ensure that patients, even those
far away from a critical care centre, will still
receive the intensive medical care they need.”
CEO MESSAGE
TRAINING
STARS pilot Grant Wudel sits in
the cockpit of the AW139 at the
Edmonton launch event for the
helicopter on Dec. 14, 2012. The
cockpit of the AW139 features
five large digital displays
that present a multitude of
information to the flight crew.
The helicopter is also equipped
with a sophisticated autopilot
that is so precise, it can hover
the aircraft in one spot without
any involvement of the pilots.
We wouldn’t
be here
without you
Andrea Robertson
SPRING 2013
PLEASE Direct comments,
inquiries and letters to:
STARS Communications
1441 Aviation Park N.E.
Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7
403.295.1811
newsletter@stars.ca
stars.ca
For change of address:
please call 403.295.1811 or
email donations@stars.ca
Please visit STARS.CA for more
information about STARS and our
activities. For your convenience,
online donations to STARS
can also be made through our
website. Thank you for your
interest and support!
STARS, STARS and Design (logo), STARS
Emergency Link Centre, STARBEAR, STAR1, STAR-2, STAR-3, STAR-4, STAR-5, STARS
& SPURS, STARS & SPURS GALA, STARS &
SPURS GALA and Design, The STARS Centre,
Red Ring for Life, Red Ring for Life and Design,
CEO Rescue, and CEO Rescue in the Rockies
for STARS are registered Canadian trademarks
owned by Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society.
STARS Foundation and STARS Canada are
registered marks owned by Shock Trauma Air
Rescue Society.
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service Foundation
is a licensed user of STARS, STARBEAR, STARS
and Design (logo), STARS & SPURS, STARS &
SPURS Gala, STARS & SPURS Gala and Design.
STARS Aviation Canada Inc. is a licensed user
of STARS, STAR-1, STAR-2, STAR-3, STAR-4 and
STAR-5.
Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society is accredited as
a full “Critical Care Provider” by the Commission
on Accreditation of Medical Transport
Systems (CAMTS). When the accreditation was
initially awarded in 1998, STARS was the first
international air medical program to achieve
such distinction.
2
Every day I hear reminders of how what we do
impacts people. Sometimes, it’s a thank you
from a patient’s family. Other times, we are lucky
enough to meet a person we’ve carried and
learn his or her story. Recently, a letter came
to us from a 23-year-old woman, thanking us
for flying her when she was born prematurely in
central Alberta in 1990. This young lady waited
23 years to share her gratitude. It’s letters like
this that bring it all home.
We’ve carried more than 23,000 patients in
Alberta since STARS launched 27 years ago.
But it’s not just about 23,000 patients. It’s about
23,000 families, 23,000 communities or 23,000
workplaces and schools. It’s incredible how
having the privilege of caring for one individual
can touch thousands. We are but one component
of a safety net and when we impact one life
together, that difference extends to families,
workplaces and entire communities. Now, with
bases in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, we have
the opportunity to collectively spread hope
across the prairies.
This all began because Dr. Greg Powell, STARS
founder and former CEO, had a vision. He cared
for a patient 27 years ago whom he felt would
have survived if delivered to the emergency
department sooner. As a result, he was inspired
to find a better way. Times were tough in the
early days, as there was little funding for an
unknown organization. The air medical crew
raised money by selling hats from the back
of a rented helicopter to buy fuel for the next
mission. Six bases later we are here, bringing
timely care and transport to the critically ill
and injured across three provinces, because
of you. None of this would be possible without
our donors. You are the families that bake pies
for raffles, the companies that lend financial
support and the children who request STARS
donations instead of gifts for your birthdays.
I’ve been asked why launch STARS in
Saskatchewan and Manitoba when we have
done so well in Alberta. The answer is simple:
if we can save one more life then all of this is
worthwhile. That’s always been Dr. Powell’s
vision. Supporters sometimes wonder if we
use donations from Albertans to build bases
in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. That’s not
the case. All money raised in Alberta stays in
Alberta. That said, all trails lead back to Alberta
because we wouldn’t have had the capacity,
knowledge or expertise built here over 27 years
to be asked to go to other provinces.
When that tiny baby was flown in 1990, STARS
was in its infancy, too. You, the donors, made
it possible for us to hear from that grateful
woman today. For that, we thank you. We
couldn’t have helped her, or flown any of those
23,000 missions without your support.
Andrea Robertson
President & CEO
STARS and STARS Foundation
Pilot training begins on the ground
Flight lessons are intense and exhaustive
Learning how to fly a new type of helicopter
means more than just glancing at the
manual in the glove box and hopping in
for a flight. Here’s what our pilots have to
undergo before they can fly the new AW139
on missions.
1. Ground school. In order to be certified
on the new AW139, pilots must undergo
two weeks of intensive training to learn the
ins-and-outs of the new aircraft.
2. Sim time. Pilots are sent to AgustaWestland’s training facility in New Jersey
to complete about 40 hours of flight
time in a state-of-the-art computerized
simulator. Though the simulator never
leaves the ground, pilots have the
opportunity to complete many simulated
flights under a variety of conditions and
variables. Once successfully completed,
pilots receive “type certification,” meaning
they are legally permitted to fly the AW139.
3. STARS training. Once back in Alberta,
pilots are subjected to an additional
three-day training course that focuses
on our particular aircraft and its systems.
This is done because of extra options and
features that are installed on the STARS
aircraft which are not present on the
simulator.
Hurricane halts
helicopter
If you think training for an exam is
stressful, imagine doing so while
4. Sorties. The last stage in STARS training
is to undergo four simulated missions
(or sorties) under the watchful eyes of
a STARS examiner. These include a VFR
mission, which entails normal daytime
flying; an IFR mission, where pilots rely
on their instruments only and not what
they can see outside the windows; a night
mission; and finally, a rehearsal mission
that involves the air medical crew on board
and first responders on the ground in a
simulated emergency medical response.
the largest Atlantic hurricane on
To keep their skills honed, STARS pilots
will continue to complete periodic training
on the AW139. Every six months, pilots
will undergo a check on the simulator to
demonstrate their skills and a yearly flight
with an examiner that will ensure their skills
continue to meet the high standards of the
organization.
Hurricane Sandy hit the region.
record barrels towards you.
While this may sound like the setup
to a bad dream, it was the situation
facing a group of six STARS pilots
last October. The pilots were in
New Jersey at AgustaWestland’s
AW139 training facility undergoing
simulator-based training when
Although grounded for several days,
all the pilots – and the AW139
helicopter – weathered the storm
and returned to Canada safely.
3
Once the crew arrives on scene, Cloutier
and the flight paramedic locate the
emergency responders in charge of the
scene and assess the situation.
A day in the life
Chain of survival
1 p.m.
The crew arrives back at base and spends
time between missions restocking the
helicopter and filing patient care reports.
When she’s not on a mission, Cloutier
has other duties. She is part of a team,
for instance, which is responsible for
researching new equipment for the
helicopter. “We do research and testing,
and are always looking to improve patient
care,” she says.
6 p.m.
Cloutier’s shift is winding down. The
night crew has arrived and meets to swap
details with the day crew. It’s been a busy,
but fulfilling day for Cloutier. “Each day is
rewarding. Being able to help those who
are sick or injured on perhaps their worst
day is humbling.”
No two days are ever
the same at STARS.
No two shifts are alike for flight nurses
8:10 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
Cloutier arrives at the Edmonton base for
her 8 a.m. shift and checks in with the night
crew. “We swap out narcotics, radios and
other equipment, and then discuss the
overnight missions,” she explains. “We
are always learning from each other’s
experiences.”
8:47 a.m.
Next, she organizes her gear, helmet
and boots and puts on her flight suit. It is
mandatory for air medical crew to wear a
flight suit all shift in order to be prepared
for a mission.
The crew is dispatched for an inter-hospital
transfer and learns details about the
mission through the STARS Emergency
Link Centre. The centre patches the crew
4
The helicopter is checked to make sure it’s
ready to respond for an emergency. Other
tasks are assigned too, to be carried out
between missions. “We could be checking
medical kits, restocking supplies or cleaning
the back of the helicopter,” says Cloutier.
Less than an hour into her shift the tones go
off, signaling an emergency. Cloutier stops
what she’s doing and grabs her equipment
from the ready-room and a snack before
boarding the helicopter. “Sometimes
missions can last up to five hours,” she
says.
Remote site registry promotes
teamwork, efficiency
When STARS and Enbridge teamed
up to offer advanced medical care
at a recent motor vehicle crash,
the “neighbour-helping-neighbour”
approach helped highlight the
importance of remote workplace site
registration.
On Aug. 27, 2012, a van travelling
near Carnduff in southeastern
Saskatchewan rolled off Highway
318 and into a ditch, leaving several
passengers badly injured. Although
two EMS providers arrived quickly,
their basic life support training
meant they needed additional help,
so they called 911.
Krista Cloutier checks the narcotics supply at the beginning of her shift.
For the past six years, nurse Krista Cloutier
has tended to critically ill and injured
patients in the back of a helicopter. As is
the case with other nurses working in
hospitals or clinics, she’s learned that no
two days are the same at STARS. Here’s is
what a typical shift looks like.
R.J. CALLAGHAN WORKS IN THE STARS EMERGENCY LINK CENTRE.
into the phone consultation between the
sending, receiving and transport physicians
to learn about the patient’s condition.
Onboard each mission is two pilots, a
paramedic and a nurse. Cloutier’s role is to
provide care to the ill and injured. “I could
be treating them for pain or keeping them
alive if they’re requiring full life support.”
The decision was made to contact
STARS and a helicopter was
dispatched from Regina. In the
meantime, STARS Emergency Link
Centre communication specialist,
R.J. Callaghan, referred to the
registry to see if there were any
worksites near the crash scene
registered with STARS and whether
their staff included paramedics.
Luckily, Callaghan discovered that
an Enbridge pipeline construction
project near the collision was staffed
by two advanced-care paramedics.
Within 30 minutes of STARS being
contacted, paramedics from the
Enbridge site arrived at the scene.
Director of industry services for the
10:30 a.m.
Just as the crew delivers the patient to the
receiving hospital, it is put on pre-alert for
another mission. This time, it’s a scene call
on a secondary highway. A vehicle has hit
ice and slid off the road. If the helicopter
has enough fuel and is mission-ready the
crew will respond straight from the hospital
without returning to the base. “This allows
us to respond more quickly, saving precious
minutes for the patient,” says Cloutier.
STARS ELC, Dan Knapp, said the team
of four “helped bring some order
to this terrible situation. It’s about
neighbours helping neighbours.”
Sadly, one life was lost in the incident.
The registry allows companies to
record worksites with STARS in case
their employees require emergency
medical care in the field. Not all sites
are the same. Unique ones include
movie sets, motorcycle rides and
police investigations. While there
are roughly 4,000 registered sites
across the prairies daily, that number
recently hit a record high of 4,600.
In 2012, STARS responded to 135
emergencies related to registered
sites.
Enbridge’s
focus
on
safety
encompasses employees, contractors
and communities, says Glenn
Herchak, director of public affairs,
Canada and U.S. “By participating
in the STARS remote site registry
we can share our expertise keeping
everyone safe.”
The registry has been a partnership
between STARS and the Canadian
Association of Petroleum Producers
since the mid-1990s. There are more
than 60,000 sites registered with
STARS annually.
Krista Cloutier
5
FEATURE VIP
Jordan Fraser and his grandmother Myrna Cruickshank were transported 13 years apart.
Family twice as grateful for STARS
Youth inspired to support STARS
jordan fraser
Donations from children add up and inspire
A routine day at a central Alberta ski hill took
a tragic turn when 10-year-old Jordan Fraser
flew off a jump and landed in a crumpled
mess. It would take several months and
many tears before his body recovered, but the
Grade 6 student never lost hope.
In February, 2012, Jordan hit a patch of ice,
launched off a ski jump and fell to the ground.
BE A VIP
share your story
We appreciate hearing from our
Very Important Patients (VIPs) and
“When I hit the air I looked at my hands and
tried to figure out how I was going to land,”
says Jordan. “But my plan didn’t work. I
landed on the tips at the back of my skis and
rolled over onto my stomach. My left leg was
twisted up by my head and I knew right away
it was broken.”
their families. Often, we hear from
patients shortly after their
What he didn’t know yet was how terribly the
rest of his body was injured. Jordan called for
help, but no sound came out. His lungs were
punctured. Ski patrollers took him down the
hill on a spine board.
After arriving at Red Deer Regional Hospital
by ground ambulance, doctors determined
Jordan’s injuries were so bad, he needed to
be cared for in a trauma unit. STARS was
dispatched from Calgary to carry him to
Alberta Children’s Hospital.
“When the doctors told us STARS was
coming, we knew it was a lot worse than a
couple broken bones,” says Jordan’s mother,
Sharlene Fraser. “STARS comes when there’s
no time to waste. We didn’t know if he was
going to make it.”
Jordan’s injuries were extensive. He broke
both femurs, both hips, his pelvis, three
vertebras and punctured both lungs. He
was bedridden for several months. Then, he
moved into a wheelchair for several weeks
before gaining the strength to walk. It’s been
a tough journey, but today, Jordan is much
better. He has resumed running, diving into
the pool and even skiing.
mission.
Other times, people wait years
before they are ready to reach
out to us.
Either way, we feel privileged to
Jordan’s flight wasn’t the first time STARS
flew one of his family members. In July 1999
his grandmother, Myrna Cruickshank, was
transported after suffering a heart attack in
B.C. “They’ve been there for us twice and it
really hits home,” says Fraser. “As you can
see from our experiences, STARS doesn’t just
come for car accidents. When they do come
you know you are in good hands.”
hear from you.
If you’re interested in sharing your
experience as a STARS patient,
please call 403.516.4819 or email
vip@stars.ca
VIP Jordan Fraser met some of his crew recently,
including paramedic Greg Barton and nurse
Carolyn Vacey.
6
Tyson Hribnak wants to raise enough money by shoveling snow to fund a flight.
In November, not long after Tyson Hribnak
was transported by STARS following an
explosion inside his family’s camping trailer,
the 13-year-old started asking questions.
held a rescue-themed party. In lieu of gifts,
they requested donations to STARS. Days
later Reese visited the Calgary base and
“signed” an oversized cheque for $495.
How much does it cost to operate a
helicopter? How much to transport a
patient? Who pays for the service? Once
Tyson learned that about 80 per cent of
STARS funding comes from donors, and that
each flight costs roughly $5,400, he hatched
a plan to express his gratitude.
Her donation moved paramedic Greg Barton,
who has been involved in a range of donor
visits from large corporations to those from
individuals. Donations from young children
always put it in perspective, he says. “It’s
particularly special to see a four year old
come in with such enthusiasm for what
she has done. It’s because of donations like
Reese’s and Tyson’s that I take such pride in
the work that I do.”
“I decided I was going to raise money enough
to cover my flight, so STARS can help one more
family,” says Tyson. As he recovered, Tyson
made posters detailing his story, explaining
that he and his grandfather were burned by
a fire inside their trailer while camping in
southern Alberta last August. STARS landed
on the highway and transported the boy to
Alberta Children’s Hospital, where he spent
eight days in intensive care and underwent
several skin grafts. This winter, Tyson and
his brother, Coltan, knocked on doors in
their Okotoks neighbourhood, posters and
shovels in hand, offering to shovel walks in
exchange for donations.
(S) Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society
(F) Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service Foundation
Lloyd Axworthy (S)
University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg
Linda Banister (S)
Banister Research & Consulting Inc.,
Edmonton
Myrna Bentley (S, F)
Corporate Director, Saskatoon
Bob Brennan (S)
Corporate Director, Winnipeg
Lyle D. Carlstrom (S, F)
Kay McVey Smith & Carlstrom LLP,
Grande Prairie
Vito Culmone (S)
WestJet, Calgary
Anne Doig (S)
Family Physician, Saskatoon
Randy Garvey (F)
Canadian Western Bank, Edmonton
Andre Harpe (S)
Wieso Acres Ltd., Valhalla Centre
Rod Kennedy (S, F)
RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Red Deer
John Kortbeek (S)
Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary
Dan MacLean (F)
Tundra Oil and Gas Partnership, Winnipeg
Greg Melchin FCA (S)
Corporate Director, Calgary
David Mowat (F)
Board Chair, STARS Foundation
ATB Financial, Edmonton
Elaine Noel-Bentley (F)
Corporate Director, Calgary
Irene Pfeiffer CM (F)
Moorgate Holdings Ltd.,Okotoks
“It’s a pretty lofty goal, but I am very proud,”
says his mom, Karly, adding Tyson plans to
shovel next winter, too. “He’s determined to
cover the cost of his flight, no matter how
long it takes.”
Not every child who fundraises for STARS
has a connection to the organization. In
four-year-old Reese Melville’s case, she
has personal ambition. Reese’s mother,
Nicky, says her daughter has talked about
being a “rescuer” since she could speak. To
celebrate her birthday in January, the family
Board Of Directors
As of june 21, 2012
Douglas R. Ramsay (S)
Calfrac Well Services Ltd., Calgary
Dale Riddell (F)
corporate director, east st. paul
Evan Saugstad (S)
Spectra Energy, Fort St. John
Paul Smith (S, F)
Talisman Energy Inc., Calgary
Brian Vaasjo (S)
Board Chair, STARS Society
Capital Power Corporation, Edmonton
Pat Youzwa (F)
Corporate Director, Regina
Reese Melville, 4, donated $495.
7
THE AW139 HELICOPTER
ANATOMY OF AN AIR AMBULANCE
ROTOR BLADES
TAIL ROTOR
Heated, five-blade, fully articulated,
main rotor system that generates lift.
DE-ICING SYSTEM
An ice detection system and heaters in the rotor
blades and windscreen allow the aircraft to operate in
a greater range of weather conditions.
Heated, anti-torque tail rotor
provides stability at low speeds
and hovering.
FOUR-AXIS AUTOPILOT
Four-axis autopilot controls direction (pitch,
roll, and yaw) as well as speed.
DIGITAL AVIONICS
ICE DETECTOR
The super-cooled large droplet ice detector allows crews
to visually assess the level of ice buildup occurring on the
aircraft; as ice accretes, different colours on the detector
become progressively obscured.
Five large LCD displays replace analog gauges and dials;
equipped with a traffic collision avoidance system as well
as enhanced ground proximity warning system.
GLARE REDUCTION
The black nose reduces glare by absorbing light
rays and helps with night vision goggle use, in
addition to day time flying.
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
ROTOR HEAD
Speed:
150 knots (278 km/h)
A titanium head that connects the rotor blades to the
helicopter transmission and drive system.
Length:
16.66 m (54.66 ft)
Height:
4.98 m (16.36 ft)
Allows rotor blades to tilt directionally while spinning.
WIRE STRIKE KIT
Designed to force wires from an inadvertent strike into a
cutter mounted above the windscreen or below the nose.
Powerplant:
2x Pratt & Whitney
PT6C-67C turboshafts
with FADEC producing
up to 1872 SHP
RADAR
Detects storm cells and lightning.
AUXILIARY FUEL TANK
Holds an additional 500 litres of fuel, which extends the
flying range by approximately one hour.
Rate of climb:
10.9 m/s (2,140 ft/min)
Cabin space:
8 cubic meters
(283 cubic feet)
– ANDREA ROBERTSON, PRESIDENT & CEO, STARS AND STARS FOUNDATION
SWASH PLATE
POWERFUL TWIN ENGINES
Dual engines provide added safety and lift under various
flying conditions; Canadian-built Pratt & Whitney PT6C
engines provide up to 1872 shaft horsepower.
Rotor diameter:
13.8 m (45.28 ft)
Maximum
takeoff weight:
6,800 kg (14,991 lbs)
"The real heroes today are the many donors to the STARS Foundation
who made this accomplishment possible. Without them, the AW139
would still be on our wish list. Today, it’s in our hangar."
LANDING GEAR
Retractable landing gear allows for better aerodynamic
performance in flight and eliminates the need for a
dolly platform when landing at the base.
The AW139 helicopter, enhancing access to pre-hospital emergency critical care.
FEATURE VOLUNTEER
volunteer
with stars
The success of STARS depends on
the generous involvement of our
volunteers. STARS has more than
450 people who act as ambassadors
in the community.
Dedicated volunteers give the gift of
time and help in a variety of ways,
including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Information booths
Special events
Casinos
Office/administration
Tour guides
STAR Bear mascot/handler
For more information contact
the volunteer coordinator,
toll-free 1-855-616-4847 or
email volunteer@stars.ca.
Gifts that take fliGht
Great Gifts
THAT HELP STARS
SAVE LIVES
stephanie kasinec
Grande Prairie woman
is proud to lend a hand
1.888.797.8277
It takes a special person to volunteer time to
an organization. Stephanie Kasinec of Grande
Prairie is one of those people.
Kasinec has been lending a hand at the Grande
Prairie base since attending the GPPA Hangar
Dance for STARS in 2011.
“Often accidents take place in remote areas and
medical help can be hours away,” says Kasinec.
“In situations like that, minutes count, and the
only way to get to those patients is by air.”
She first became involved through a practicum
with her hospitality and tourism management
program at college, but enjoyed volunteering
so much she stayed on. Since her first event,
Kasinec has returned to help at dances,
golf tournaments and other events, such as
Celebrate Under the STARS.
“I support STARS because I feel it’s important
to support non-profit organizations as much
as possible,” Kasinec explains, adding her
favourite volunteering opportunities are golf
tournaments.
Kasinec recognizes how important STARS is to
rural communities, including Grande Prairie
with its northern location and plenty of industry
work throughout Peace Country.
“They are a great way to raise money. The
large oil companies are always very generous
in sponsoring and promoting STARS,” says
Kasinec.
The Grande Prairie base hosts the popular
ConocoPhillips golf tournament in June.
For your ongoing financial support for the STARS program.
“Thank you, Enbridge. STARS saved my life, and wouldn’t have been able to do so without the generous support of
donors like you.” – TERRI AMEY, STARS VERY IMPORTANT PATIENT
stars.ca
Great gifts that
help save lives
It also makes her feel good to volunteer for a
charity.
Enbridge
10
FEATURE DONOR
• T he gift of air
| $25 | Oxygen tank refill
STARS board member, Doug Ramsay, president and CEO, Andrea Robertson, and PSAC president,
Mark Salkeld, celebrate a new record for the event.
Long-running industry gala raises
a record $1.1 million
It was an historic night for two longtime
partners.
The popular STARS and Spurs Gala,
an annual fundraiser presented by the
Petroleum Services Association of Canada
(PSAC), raised a staggering $1.139 million
in Calgary during one January evening.
The 19th annual event was attended by
roughly 1,100 guests, who dined on prime
rib, danced to music by country singer
Gord Bamford, and participated in exciting
live and silent auctions. Since it began
presenting the gala, PSAC has helped raise
a total of more than $9 million for STARS.
PSAC has helped raise
a total of more than
$9 million for STARS.
The support and generosity of individuals,
corporations and the energy industry
left STARS president and CEO, Andrea
Robertson, bursting with pride. “How do
you thank these people?” she asked. “The
support is overwhelming.”
In addition to representatives from the
energy sector, several STARS Very Important
Patients attended the gala. You could
hear a pin drop when VIP Michelle Salt
shared her story. Salt was injured in June
2011 when she crashed her motorcycle
while travelling near Cochrane. Michelle’s
survival depended on the quick response
of STARS to get her to hospital so doctors
could stop her massive blood loss. Michelle
later learned her outcome would have been
different if she had arrived one minute later.
In order to save Michelle’s life, doctors had
to amputate her right leg eight inches above
the knee.
“I have heard from many people the
incredible story of my pilots, who took a
chance and made the decision to land right
on the steep Cochrane hill, something I
have been told is dangerous and almost
impossible,” said Salt. “Doctors still tell
me I’m lucky to be alive but I know it has
nothing to do with luck. It has everything to
do with the red and white helicopter filled
with a talented crew that has the skills to
help keep people alive.”
PSAC credits all sectors of the oil and gas
industry for working together to make the
gala a long-term success. “This year’s
turnout and the ongoing support speak
volumes about the value our entire industry
places on STARS and the critical work they
do,” said Mark Salkeld, president and CEO
of PSAC.
• T he gift of diagnostics
| $100 | Medical
diagnostics testing
• T he gift of visibility
| $325 | Flight suit
• T he gift of proficiency
| $350 | Fuel the helicopter
for a check ride
• T he gift of safety
| $450 | Helicopter
maintenance check
• T he gift of airspace | $500 |
NAV Canada software for
one year for one helicopter
• T he gift of knowledge
| $750 | Community
outreach educator
• T he gift of healing | $1000|
Medical equipment
used in the helicopter
• T he gift of protection
| $1300| Medical
flight helmet
• The gift of sight | $2700|
Night vision goggle
flight helmet
• T he gift of training
| $4000 | Human patient
simulator maintenance
• T he gift of flight | $5400 |
Fund a STARS mission
Learn more about these gifts
and purchase online at
STARS flight paramedic Ken King, left, VIP Michelle
Salt and pilot Fraser Gamble enjoy the gala.
foundation.stars.ca/gifts
11
UPCOMING
EVENTS
FACES OF STARS
April
TBDCelebrate Under the STARS Grande Prairie
1Radway & District Friends
of STARS Dine and Dance –
Radway
6Taber Charity Auction - Taber
28
A Pursenal Mission - Leduc
June
TBDConocoPhillips Golf Tournament
- Grande Prairie
Above: More than $120,000 was raised at the 2nd annual
Bling ‘n Boots Gala in Edmonton, where 400 guests were
entertained by award-winning music group, Hey Romeo.
6 10th Annual STARS & Lions Golf
Classic – Calgary
7-8
Old Grouch 24-Hour Jam Drumheller
22 Drayton Valley Kin Club Golf
Tournament – Drayton Valley
July
1 thru Sept.
Amazing Back Country Race – All of Alberta
5 – 14 Park for STARS, Stampede
Parking - Calgary
12
Fifth Avenue Stampede Charity
Breakfast - Calgary
13 Battle River Trail Ride for STARS
Above & Right: The Building Magic in the Air Gala took place in Edmonton on Nov. 24, 2012, and raised
funds for the purchase of a Spyder Crane, which will be used by engineers for helicopter maintenance.
BELOW: Organized and hosted by STARS VIP Sherry Lindenback, the 4th annual Glamour Girls Gala on
Oct. 20, 2012 raised more than $12,500, bringing the four-year total to $37,180.
– Castor
13
Gleniffer Lake Resort vs.
Carefree Resort Challenge Cup
– Gleniffer Lake
13 Andrew Lattoni
Deborah Wnuk
DJ Lafrance
Communication specialist
in the STARS Emergency
Link Centre
Flight paramedic,
Grande Prairie base
Aviation technical
project manager
Time at STARS: Two years.
Time at STARS: 13 years as a paramedic;
four with STARS.
Time at STARS:
Favourite moment on the job:
Favourite moment on the job:
Completing the first BK117 helicopter
upgrade project for Saskatchewan. We
were under tight deadlines and other
challenges in order for the Regina
base to open on schedule. Also, it
was the first STARS helicopter for
Saskatchewan, which was electrifying
in itself.
Being part of what became a very
large search and rescue response in
southern Alberta. I helped coordinate
a busy consultation of physicians,
aviators, medical personnel and
representatives from other agencies
while handling other responses to
unrelated emergencies throughout
Alberta, Saskatchewan and eastern
B.C. Never have I learned so much
about the logistics of emergency
response coordination in such a short
time.
Surprised to learn about STARS:
The one that stands out the most is
being able to make a difference in a
patient’s life and having the opportunity
to meet them after the incident. It’s
always extremely rewarding.
Surprised to learn about STARS:
Our response time. Our crew of two
pilots, one nurse and one paramedic
aim to be mission ready and airborne
in about ten minutes.
12 years.
Favourite moment on the job:
Surprised to learn about STARS:
I hadn’t heard of STARS until the
day I was contracted. Since joining
the team, I have been amazed at how
ingrained the organization is in the
rural community. STARS is a hidden
gem.
One of the first realizations I had
was discovering that people have the
capacity to be both inspirational and
knowledgeable at a very young age.
Battle of Alberta Cup – Hanna
august
1 Alan Jackson Concert - Grande
Prairie
4
11 estlock Motorcycle Ride for
W
STARS – Westlock
September
14 Bling‘N Boots Gala – Edmonton
21 Foothills Ride for STARS –
Priddis
28Commitment to Life Gala Leduc
12
Please note: the EDMONTON BASE has MOVed
Rumsey & District Agricultural
Society Ride for STARS Rumsey
The STARS Edmonton base has relocated to the Edmonton International Airport
in advance of the closure of the Edmonton City Centre Airport.
Patients flown by STARS will receive the same level of care and rapid response from the new location at the EIA.
LEFT: The 3rd annual GPPA
Hanger Dance transformed
the STARS Grande Prairie
base into a spectacular event
on Jan. 12, 2013, raising
more than $170,000.
Our new address is: Suite 100, 1519 35 Ave East Edmonton International Airport, AB T9E 0V6.
Our new main phone line is: 780-890-3131. Our new main fax line is: 780-890-3180.
If you are in the Edmonton area consider stopping by for a tour.
13
With a career spanning 35 years in
emergency medicine, STARS founder
and former CEO, Dr. Greg Powell,
became a world-renowned leader
in the air medical community. As
an emergency physician, university
educator and pilot, Dr. Powell has
been recognized internationally
for his many accomplishments,
including in 2007 when he was made
an Officer in the Order of Canada.
His more recent and upcoming
awards and recognitions include:
• Marriott-Carlson Lifetime Achievement
Award presented at the 2012 Air Medical
Transportation Conference;
Dr. John Froh was on board the BK117 for an historic mission.
• Calgary Stampede 2012 Western Legacy
Award in recognition as one of Alberta’s
100 Outstanding Albertans;
Transport physicians provide care in the air
• Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee
Medal in 2012;
• Consumer Choice Awards Calgary
Business Man of the Year in 2012;
• to be presented with a Eurocopter
Golden Hour Award from the Helicopter
Association International in March 2013.
Each of these prestigious awards
reflects Dr. Powell’s commitment
to saving lives. His entrepreneurial
spirit and positive outlook have
galvanized those around him to
reach for the next goal and the next
level in achieving what is the best,
and what is right, for the patient.
DR. GREG POWELL
A different type of house call
Doctors don’t make house calls too often
these days, but that doesn’t stop our
physicians from sometimes slipping on
a flight suit and helmet, hopping in the
helicopter and joining a STARS air medical
crew as they care for a patient.
Dr. John Froh, a transport physician and
the medical director at STARS’ newest
base in Saskatoon, was on board the BK117
medically equipped helicopter for the first
mission on Oct. 15, 2012. “That mission
will always stand out in my mind. We took
flight less than an hour after launching that
base and it really hit me that I was a part of
medical history.”
Even if the doctors aren’t in the air, they are
connected to the mission. Froh describes
the role of transport physician as that of
a facilitator who supports his medical
colleagues in rural regions by providing
enhanced access to critical care. “When we
receive a call for a patient whose life may
depend on receiving care at a larger tertiary
centre, our job is to manage the information
and determine the best treatment for that
patient, and the best mode of transport to
the receiving hospital.”
Physicians keep a phone with them during
their shift, allowing them to connect with
the medical team at a moment’s notice and
when necessary, be airborne with the crew.
14
There are about 80 physicians working for
STARS across all six bases.
“We come online, listen, advise clinical care,
and troubleshoot transport issues. Many
times, it’s not just about flying to a scene
or hospital – sometimes it’s a complex
arrangement involving more than one
emergency response provider.”
Many times, it’s not just
about flying to a scene or
hospital – sometimes it’s
a complex arrangement
involving more than one
emergency response provider.
Transport physicians review every mission,
whether they were on the call or not. This
ensures the team is adhering to the highest
level of patient care.
Reviewing patient missions can serve as a
humbling reminder and inspiration, says
Froh. “The other day we flew out to help
someone in respiratory distress and while
the local providers were doing their best,
that patient wouldn’t have survived without
the advanced care that STARS offered.
Playing a role in helping save a life is what
this is all about.”
SKIDS UP
Abee1
Airdrie8
Alder Flats
1
Aldersyde1
Alexander Reserve
1
Alexis Reserve
1
Andrew1
Ashmont1
Athabasca25
Atikameg2
Banff19
Barrhead13
Bashaw1
Bassano8
Beaumont1
Beaverlodge12
Beiseker3
Bezanson3
Black Diamond
12
Blackfalds1
Blairmore17
Blue Ridge
1
Blueberry Mountain
1
Bon Accord
1
Bonanza1
Bonnyville21
Bowden2
Boyle22
Bragg Creek
5
Brazeau1
Breton6
Brooks23
Bruderheim1
Buck Lake
2
Burmis Weigh Scales 2
Busby2
Cadotte1
Cadotte Lake
2
Calahoo2
Calgary5
Calling Lake
6
Calmar2
Camrose15
Canmore16
Cardston5
Caroline3
Carseland4
Carstairs2
Carvel1
Castor2
Cayley1
Chestermere Lake
4
Chetwynd1
Claresholm25
Cochrane13
Cold Lake
6
Conklin1
Cooking Lake
2
Coronation3
Cranbrook, BC
11
Creston, BC
1
Crossfield3
Dawson Creek, BC
10
Daysland5
Debolt3
Demmitt2
Devon7
Dewinton1
Didsbury13
Dixonville1
Drayton Valley
33
Drift Pile
3
Drumheller12
Duffield2
Eaglesham2
Eckville1
Eden Valley Reserve
3
Edmonton3
Edson15
Elk Point
5
Elkford, BC
1
Enilda1
Enoch1
Entwhistle2
Evansburg1
Exshaw4
Fairview14
Fawcett Lake
1
Fernie, BC
12
Fort Assiniboine
3
Fort Macleod
9
Fort Saskatchewan
11
Fort St. John, BC
1
Fox Creek
9
Gibbons6
Girouxville1
Gleichen15
Golden, BC
14
Goodfish Lake
2
Gordondale1
Grande Cache
25
Grande Prairie
25
Grassland3
Grimshaw1
Grouard2
Grovedale11
Gunn1
Guy1
Hamburg1
Hanna12
Happy Valley
1
Hardisty3
Harlech1
High Prairie
19
High River
22
Hinton7
Hobbema1
Holden1
Horse Lake
1
Horse Lake Reserve /
Hythe
1
Hudson Hope
2
Hussar1
Hythe3
Innisfail4
Invermere, BC
9
Jasper2
Kananaskis Country
1
Kathryn1
Keg River
1
Kelly Lake
1
Killam6
Kinuso1
Lac la Biche
3
Lacombe8
Laglace1
Lake Louise
2
Lamont5
Langdon3
Leduc9
Lethbridge61
Little Buffalo
1
Livingston1
Lloydminster5
Lodgepole2
Lone pine
1
Longview10
Manning3
Mayerthorpe20
McLennan3
Medicine Hat
2
Milk River
1
Millet1
Mirror1
Mission Beach
1
Morin1
Morinville3
Morley5
Mossleigh2
Mundare2
Namao4
Nanton4
New Sarepta
2
Newbrook2
Nisku1
Nitton Junction
1
Nobleford1
Nojack1
Nordegg6
O’chiese Reserve
1
Okotoks10
Olds11
Onoway1
Paul Band
1
Peace River
12
Peers1
Pickardville1
Pincher Creek
13
Pink Mountain
1
Ponoka7
Priddis2
Raymond1
Red Deer
54
Redwater18
Ridge Valley
1
Rimbey12
Rocky Mountain House 27
Ross Haven
1
Rycroft2
Saddle Lake Reserve
1
Sangudo1
Savannah1
Seba Beach
5
Sexsmith4
Sherwood Park
5
Silver Valley
1
Slave Lake
9
Smoky Lake
10
South Cooking Lake
1
Sparwood, BC
2
Spirit River
13
Spruce Grove
4
St. Albert
4
St. Paul
48
Stavely1
Steeper1
Stettler11
Stony Plain
11
Strathmore19
Sucker Creek
1
Sundre20
Swan Hills
7
Sylvan Lake
3
Taber10
Teepee Creek
2
Thorhild1
Thorsby1
Three Hills
12
Tofield12
Torrington1
Tumbler Ridge, BC
3
Turner Valley
1
Two Hills
8
Valemount, BC
1
Valleyview17
Vegreville19
Vermillion14
Viking9
Villeneuve1
Vilna2
Vulcan12
Wabamun3
Wabasca2
Wainwright13
Waiporous1
Wandering River
5
Wanham2
Warburg5
Waskatenau3
Wembley2
Westlock16
Wetaskiwin31
Whitecourt15
Wildwood4
William Valley
1
Winfield3
Woking2
Wonowon1
Worsley4
2012 TOTAL: 1539
STARS 2012 alberta Missions*
Job profile
Recognizing
dedication
TOTAl mISSIONS 1985 - 2012 = 23,973
*These missions were flown from our bases in Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie and include some B.C. communities.
Missions may have been scene calls in the area closest to the listed communities.
15
WHY DO YOU SUPPORT STARS?
FEATURE DONORS
Popular ride began as a grassroots movement
This summer, the popular Rumsey Ride for STARS will hold its 24th
annual fundraising event. While participants can expect the same
exciting horseback trail rides and magnificent views of the valley near
Drumheller as they have in the past, the event will be missing an
important supporter.
This time, Jacqui Goddard, a tireless volunteer and the face of STARS’
longest-running community event, won’t be there. Sadly, Goddard
passed away in November.
Ernie Goddard, Jacqui’s husband of 57 years, says this year’s ride will
be most memorable, as it will serve as a tribute to his wife.
“This ride meant so much to her and so did STARS,” he said. “We will
have a prayer and a moment of remembrance for all the people who
cared about Jacqui.”
When it first began in 1989, the Rumsey & District Agricultural Ride
for STARS raised roughly $5,000. To date, the group has raised more
than $537,000 for STARS. “We didn’t know what to expect, but we went
ahead anyway,” says Ernie, chairman of the organizing committee.
“It’s grown beyond our dreams.”
Wanda Freeborn, who works on the events team at STARS, says the
couple’s dedication is unparalleled.
“Working with Jacqui, and indeed Ernie, was such a pleasure,” says
Freeborn. “This long-running event demonstrates how a grassroots
movement can capture imaginations and become something
magnificent.”
JACQUI AND ERNIE GODDARD JOIN STARS PILOT MIKE POTTER AT A RECENT
RUMSEY RIDE EVENT.
STARS Horizons spring 2013
Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society
Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service Foundation
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO
STARS HEAD OFFICE
1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570
Calgary, ALBERTA T2E 8M7
If you would like to make a gift to help support STARS:
• Call our Donations Department at 403-295-1811. • Make an online donation at stars.ca
• Insert a cheque in the envelope provided.