AHS, STARS ink 10-year deal

Agreement extends funding to Grande Prairie base

The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) base in Grande Prairie will receive provincial funding for the first time in its history as part of a new agreement between Alberta Health Services and STARS.

“Since opening the Grande Prairie base in 2006, many lives have been saved because of STARS’ ability to provide a timely response throughout the northern region of our province,” said Gene Zwozdesky, Minister of Health and Wellness, at the formal announcement in Grande Prairie April 28.

“The strategic geographical location of this base has a direct impact on successful patient outcomes and STARS is doing a great job in that regard.” 

Long funded by a combination of provincial and public monies, the new agreement increases Alberta Health Services’ contribution by $1.2 million, bringing its total annual investment to about $5.5 million over each of the next 10 years.

About 25 per cent of STARS’ total mission costs is funded by Alberta Health Services and the remaining 75 per cent from STARS fundraising and community partnerships. STARS total operating expenses in 2009 were about $27 million of which $23.7 million were mission operations.

“Equitable access to high-quality care for rural Albertans is a strategic priority for Alberta Health Services, and STARS plays an integral role in providing that care,” said Ken Hughes, Alberta Health Services Board Chair. “The integration of ground and air ambulance within the provincewide health delivery system makes this kind of co-ordinated care and training possible, and is a great illustration of the quality, access and sustainability improvements now within our reach.”

As part of the agreement, STARS will implement a critical care transport medicine education program for all air medical personnel (fixed wing and rotary). STARS will also assume the role of co-ordinating the movement of critically ill patients from rural hospitals to larger centres. About half of STARS’ annual missions are inter-hospital critical patient care transfers and the remaining half are emergency or rescue scene calls. Public emergency calls continue through the 9-1-1 system.

On April 1, 2010, Alberta Health Services assumed responsibility of ensuring air ambulance services are available across the province. In addition to STARS, which provides dedicated rotary air ambulance through the agreement, fixed wing air ambulance services will continue to be conducted by 12 providers contracted through Alberta Health Services.

The integration of ground and air ambulance within the provincewide health delivery system ensures all Albertans have access to emergency medical services, no matter when or where they find themselves in need of emergency care.

“Working together toward the common goal of providing a seamless emergency care system provides Albertans with the right resource at the right place at the right time,” said Dr. Greg Powell, STARS president and chief executive officer.

“This announcement heralds the beginning of an enhanced system that addresses the needs of people in rural Alberta to receive timely and sophisticated emergency care.”

STARS serves 94 per cent of Alberta’s population 24 hours a day, 365 days a year—the remaining six per cent are served by fixed wing and ground ambulance and often rendezvous with STARS.

STARS flew 1,368 missions in 2009. Since 1985, STARS has flown more than 19,000 missions.

STARS responds with five BK117 helicopters, including two located in Edmonton, two in Calgary and one in Grande Prairie.