The Airbus H145 helicopter, part of the STARS air ambulance fleet. (@STARSAMBULANCE / TWITTER)
The Manitoba government has signed a new contract with Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) to continue providing emergency air transport for critically ill or injured patients across the province.
The renewed contract ensures the continued use of STARS’ Airbus H145 helicopter, which operates as a mobile intensive care unit staffed by at least four medical personnel. The service will respond to emergency scenes and transport patients between facilities when specialized care is needed.
“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,” said Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara.
“We know STARS gives rural communities the comfort and peace of mind they deserve that emergency help is always available.”
In a statement, the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals said STARS alone can’t fix healthcare for rural Manitobans.
“While the province spends millions on a private contract that relies on public paramedics, we are routinely seeing half, or even fewer, of the ground ambulances on the road that there should be, because there aren’t enough paramedics to staff them,” said MAHCP president Jason Linklater. “That’s unequal access to care, it’s putting lives at risk.”
STARS has operated in Manitoba since 2012 and has flown thousands of missions in support of the province’s health-care system.
