TWO BASES, 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

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1 WHAT S NEW, WHAT S NEXT, WHAT S UP AT STARS SASKATCHEWAN SUMMER 2013 TWO BASES, 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK STARS REACHES SEVERAL MILESTONES DURING FIRST YEAR IN SASKATCHEWAN IN THIS ISSUE: MEET SOME OF THE STARS SASKATCHEWAN TEAM ONE PARAMEDIC S BUSY DAY PATIENT RAMONA DOWN VISITS WITH HER CREW stars.ca The one-year anniversary gathering at the Regina base was planned perfectly, from the elected officials on the invite list, to the thank-you speeches and the extra dozen crew members who stopped in on their day off to help celebrate the special occasion. What STARS staff didn t plan for during the springtime celebration, however, was serendipity. Or the emotional reaction that came after. Just as the formal program was getting under way, the tones sounded, alerting the crew that the helicopter was needed for an emergency. As the crew geared up and prepared for the mission, the bustling room fell silent. It was a memorable moment for many reasons, said Ron Dufresne, vice president of Saskatchewan operations. When the guests went outside to witness the helicopter take off with our crew on a mission to care for someone who needed us, there was a lot of emotion. While Premier Brad Wall kneeled down at the fence and recorded the launch with his phone, Health Minister Dustin Duncan was visibly moved to see an organization his government supports spring to action. Watching the STARS crew deploy on an urgent mission is something that I will never forget. Everyone in the room knew that, out there somewhere in our province, one of our citizens needed critical help and STARS was on its way, said Duncan. From the first mission near Regina on May 1 to the nearly 300 patients we ve cared for since, the past year has been a busy one for STARS in Saskatchewan. The bases in Regina and Saskatoon are both operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, more than 4,000 partners have participated in landing zone training sessions across the province and the first lottery raised $1.6 million. Dufresne said becoming an integral part of the chain of survival and communities in Saskatchewan has been an honour. It s been humbling to feel the warm embrace from rural and remote communities, said Dufresne. We are looking forward to the future and continuing to be here for the people of Saskatchewan.

2 CEO MESSAGE ANDREA ROBERTSON THANK YOU, SASKATCHEWAN, FOR EMBRACING STARS SUMMER 2013 PLEASE DIRECT COMMENTS, INQUIRIES AND LETTERS TO: STARS Communications 2640 Airport Road Regina, Saskatchewan S4W 1A3 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, STAR- 1, 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. Not long after STARS launched operations in Regina, our crew was called out to help a patient in the community of Wadena in central Saskatchewan. Our flight paramedic and flight nurse spent about 30 minutes inside the hospital, stabilizing the critically ill patient and making preparations for the trip to Regina, while our two pilots waited outside. As you can imagine, a crowd began to form around the helicopter. Many of the curious were children. Everyone had questions. That s when our pilots put on their tour guide hats and spent the next while sharing their knowledge of the helicopter and the overall STARS mission with the children and grownups alike. That small gesture meant a lot to members of the community and they told us that those few minutes had a profound and inspiring effect. Some of the children expressed an interest in becoming pilots and rescuers when they grow up. As one community resident said: For five younger people standing in the cold, the dream of having a goal to work toward took on a whole new meaning. Flying the helicopter and caring for critically ill and injured patients are what our crews are trained to do - and it s what they do best. Engaging with people in the communities we fly to, however, is how we are reminded of the impact STARS missions have on others. You know that you are becoming part of the fabric of the community when a child is inspired to become a pilot one day. From the moment STAR-9 (our Regina-based aircraft) received its first mission to a medical emergency at Kenosee Lake one year ago, to STARS offering 24-hour service at both our bases 10 months later, to the more than 300 missions we ve flown in Saskatchewan, the community has supported and embraced us. Our volunteers are as enthusiastic as our Very Important Patients are grateful. You ve helped us sell out our inaugural gala, bought lottery tickets and attended our events. Your donations, whether it s birthday party money, corporate support or government funding, have helped us to make this dream a reality. Remarkably, about 50 per cent of our funding comes from corporations and the community. What makes each and every mission possible is support from our partners on the ground. We always say that STARS is but one link in the chain of survival. If there s no one there to identify the need for STARS, or no one there to request us for a mission, or no firefighters to help land the helicopter, or no critical care workers to care for the patient, STARS simply would not work. On behalf of all of us at STARS thank you for the privilege of letting us be part of your community. ANDREA ROBERTSON President & CEO STARS and STARS Foundation 2

3 INTERNATIONAL STAGE Some might think it s awkward to practice medical scenarios on a mannequin, but you lose yourself in the case and it feels very real. REGINA FLIGHT CREW MEMBERS KEVIN EASTON (LEFT) AND JON ANTAL PRACTICE INTUBATION ON A HUMAN PATIENT SIMULATOR. STAN PREPARES MEDICAL CREWS FOR REAL-LIFE SCENARIOS He s bleeding from his side, says Regina flight nurse Kevin Easton. But the medication is working; he is beginning to stabilize. This patient will live. Easton removes his gloves and places them on the patient he just saved, a breathing, bleeding, and talking mannequin named Stan. It was not a real person that Easton and his partner, flight paramedic Jon Antal, were working to save, but a human patient simulator that STARS uses to help train and educate air medical crew. Training and education, which is vital to emergency medical care, is an area which STARS excels. For STARS, simulation training provides the most realistic representation of patient cases without actually involving a human being. Training and education, which is vital to emergency medical care, is an area which STARS excels. The human patient simulator replicates complex medical and traumatic problems, giving crew members an opportunity to test and improve their reactions and skills. The simulators speak and breathe, blink with reactive pupils, have a heartbeat and pulse, mirror human responses to medical procedures such as intubation, and react to medications the same way a person would. Some might think it s awkward to practice on a mannequin, but you lose yourself in the case and it feels very real, Easton said. If we provide the right treatment, the simulator s condition will improve. If the wrong response is administered, the simulator could die, said Easton. When we are on a real mission, that training comes into play and guides us to the right care plan for our patients. In May, STARS hosted an organization-wide simulation competition, which allowed members from each base the opportunity to show off their skills while taking part in a simulated emergency. The winners of this competition will go on to represent STARS at the 2013 Air Medical Transport Conference in Virginia and compete against their air medical peers from U.S. and Canada. Easton and Antal won a preliminary round at their home base in Regina to qualify for a spot in the competition. They faced off in a tough, complex scenario involving a motorcycle collision. We did the best we could but fell short of winning the championship, reflected Easton. However, competition drives excellence so in the end, it s patient care that truly wins. I ve been a nurse for nearly 20 years and am so excited to be working for a service where I have unlimited access to simulation training. Since its inception in 2002 STARS has sent a team to the CAE Cup, an annual, simulated critical care skills competition that features the best air medical crews from across North America. STARS SUCCESS AT THE CAE CUP: 2013: Greg Barton and Alexis Mageau (Calgary) will represent STARS in Virginia Beach, VA, in October; 2012: Greg Barton and Alexis Mageau (Calgary) placed third; 2011: Sherry Gauthier and Dave Allison (Grande Prairie) won the METI (now CAE) Cup; 2010: Deb Bowers and Rob Sharman (Edmonton) placed second; 2009: Bruce Parsons and Scott McTaggart (Calgary) placed second. 3

4 A DAY IN THE LIFE AIR MEDICAL CREW MEMBER MARK VANWERKHOVEN HAS 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE AS A PARAMEDIC. FLIGHT PARAMEDICS ARE PREPARED FOR A RANGE OF CALLS SHIFTWORK INCLUDES FLIGHT PREPARATIONS, MISSIONS AND PATIENT PAPERWORK As a STARS flight nurse or paramedic, no two days are ever the same. It s impossible to predict what one might encounter during a shift, so the STARS crew has to be prepared for just about anything. For flight paramedic Mark vanwerkhoven, a recent Christmas Day shift was one for the books. MORNING While most people are waking up to holiday festivities, vanwerkhoven is just beginning his shift. After gearing up in his blue flight suit, he checks in with the night crew to find out how the shift went. Then, he gets right to work. Christmas time is historically busy, he said, so preparation is vital. The crew members begin their debriefing session, in which they discuss weather, maintenance and training. Next, vanwerkhoven checks the back of the aircraft while the pilots make their flight preparations. Paramedics and nurses look for expired or low medication, check oxygen and battery levels and secure medical equipment for flight. Not long after his shift begins, VanWerkhoven and the team are alerted by the STARS Emergency Link Centre to a potential call. When the tones go off it signals that a mission is imminent and the crew needs to prepare. He grabs his boots, helmet and a snack to keep him energized on what could be a long mission. When the second alert rings out, vanwerkhoven receives more information. STARS is needed to transport a pregnant woman who needs immediate critical care. AFTERNOON With the patient safely delivered to hospital, the crew returns to base and a holiday tradition at STARS gets under way. We ll do a big dinner, said vanwerkhoven. All the crew is invited and we ll have a big potluck. Their dinner is cut short, however, as the crew is called for another mission, this time in a remote rural area. Once on scene, vanwerkhoven determines that the patient s injuries are severe enough to need care at a major hospital. As is often the case, this long flight will run close to the end of the crew s shift. The helicopter arrives at the hospital and the crew brief the receiving medical staff on the patient s condition. In order to help vanwerkhoven and his crew return to base 4

5 CHAIN OF SURVIVAL When you re out in a remote rural area and you re the patient s lifeline, you ve got to get it done. It s us. We re there. R.J. CALLAGHAN WORKS IN THE STARS EMERGENCY LINK CENTRE. REMOTE SITE REGISTRY PROMOTES TEAMWORK, EFFICIENCY safely and on schedule, the incoming day crew drive to meet the helicopter at the hospital. We need to do everything we can to get the aircraft back into service so it s available for the next shift. said vanwerkhoven. Once he arrives home after a busy day he s exhausted, but happy to have fulfilled his duty to help those in need. When you re out in a remote rural area and you re the patient s lifeline, you ve got to get it done. It s us. We re there. 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. 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 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 4,850 this winter. 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 70,000 sites registered with STARS annually. 5

6 FEATURE VIP REGINA STARS PILOT LEE HOYLAND (LEFT) AND PARAMEDIC JORDAN EDGERTON WITH VIP RAMONA DOWN. DAUGHTER SAYS STARS GAVE HER MORE TIME TO ENJOY HER MOTHER ELDERLY MEDICAL CALLS ON THE RISE BE A VIP SHARE YOUR STORY We appreciate hearing from our Very Important Patients (VIPs) and their families. Often, we hear from patients shortly after their mission. Other times, people wait years before they are ready to reach out to us. Either way, we feel privileged to hear from you. If you re interested in sharing your experience as a STARS patient, please call or [email protected] Ramona Down, 81, jokes that the best part about suffering a heart attack was sharing hugs, tea and ice cream cake with her STARS crew months later when they reunited at the Regina base. If I hadn t had a heart attack I wouldn t have met all the wonderful people who saved my life, said Down, who met her crew a few months after leaving hospital. I was so thrilled to be there. Everybody gave me enough hugs to last me for two months. They really made me feel like they care about me. If I hadn t had a heart attack I wouldn t have met all the wonderful people who saved my life. Down was playing cards with friends at her seniors residence in Moosomin in November, 2012, when she started feeling ill. As she returned to her room to rest she fell, triggering her medical alert button at the same time, contacting emergency services. When ground ambulance arrived, Down was in poor shape. She was taken to Moosomin s hospital, where doctors determined she would need emergency heart surgery to survive. She was told that her heart was badly damaged and nearly all her arteries blocked. Medical emergencies similar to Down s account for roughly 55 per cent of STARS calls, although as the population ages and patients require more complex medical treatment, that number is increasing. STARS was called to deliver Down to a trauma centre. The helicopter landed on a secondary highway near Wapella and rendezvoused with an ambulance, which took her the rest of the way to Regina General Hospital. Learning that her mother would be flown in an air ambulance left Cindy Moffat with a mix of emotions. I was relieved because I knew she was about to receive fabulous care, said Moffat. I was also terrified at the seriousness of the situation because I am not ready to lose her yet. We would be lost without her. Down underwent a triple bypass and spent several months in hospital recovering. She was released on Jan. 24, one day before her 81st birthday and has since returned to the manor. She continues to live independently and still gets together with the ladies to play cards. I feel great, said Down. But I don t think I would be living now, or feeling this great if STARS hadn t got me to hospital in a hurry. I don t think I would be living now, or feeling this great if STARS hadn t got me to a hospital in a hurry. 6

7 GIVING BACK BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS OF JUNE 26, 2013 PARKER ROBERTSON VISITED THE STARS BASE IN REGINA AFTER HIS AUNT PASSED AWAY. TRAGEDY INSPIRES NEPHEW TO SUPPORT STARS CHILDREN HELP OUT BY DONATING BIRTHDAY MONEY Parker Robertson s most recent birthday was a bittersweet one. Although he was thrilled to turn six years old, his heart was heavy. Just one month earlier his favourite aunt passed away unexpectedly. In September, 2012 STARS responded to Cypress Regional Hospital to airlift Terri Carson to Regina. The STARS crew carried a specialist onboard to care for her during the mission, but Carson s heart stopped before she was transported into the helicopter. Dawn Robertson, Parker s mom, said the family was full of hope when the helicopter arrived at Cypress Regional Hospital. That hope and respect for the STARS mission didn t fade when Carson passed away. We know that everyone did everything they could, Roberston said. We are grateful STARS is in our community. Young Parker, who lives in Swift Current, was one of many people who didn t have the chance to say goodbye to Carson. To honour her life, he decided to raise money for STARS and donate it in his aunt s name. In October, rather than accepting gifts at his birthday party Parker asked for donations. His family rented a community hall and the six-year-old raised $330. Terri and Parker had a great relationship, said Robertson. She would have been proud that he put others before himself. When Parker visited the Regina base to deliver his cheque, he met Carson s crew, sat in the helicopter and was treated to ice cream cake. It s a day her son will never forget, said Robertson. Not every child who fundraises for STARS has a connection to the organization. In four-yearold 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 held a rescuethemed party. In lieu of gifts, they requested donations to STARS. Days later Reese visited the Calgary base and signed an oversized cheque for $495. Her donation moved paramedic Greg Barton, who has been involved in a range of donor visits from large corporations to individuals. Donations from young children always put it in perspective, he said. It s special to see a four year old come in with such enthusiasm for what she has done. REESE MELVILLE, 4, DONATED $495. (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 Bob Brennan (S) CORPORATE DIRECTOR, WINNIPEG Lyle D. Carlstrom (S, F) KAY MCVEY SMITH & CARLSTROM LLP, GRANDE PRAIRIE G. Dino DeLuca (S) BURNET, DUCKWORTH & PALMER LLP, CALGARY Anne Doig (S) FAMILY PHYSICIAN, SASKATOON Randy Garvey (F) CANADIAN WESTERN BANK, EDMONTON Michael Hoffort (S & F) FARM CREDIT CANADA, REGINA Kent D. Kaufield, CA.IT (S) ERNST & YOUNG LLP, CALGARY 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 Sean I. McBurney (F) KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL, CALGARY Greg Melchin FCA (S) CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CALGARY David Mowat (F) BOARD CHAIR, STARS FOUNDATION ATB FINANCIAL, EDMONTON Irene Pfeiffer CM (F) MOORGATE HOLDINGS LTD.,OKOTOKS Dale Riddell (F) CORPORATE DIRECTOR, EAST ST. PAUL Lionel Robbins (F) MAZDA & KIA GRANDE PRAIRIE, GRANDE PRAIRIE Evan Saugstad (S) SPECTRA ENERGY, FORT ST. JOHN Scott Saxberg (S) CRESCENT POINT ENERGY CORPORATION, CALGARY 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 7

8 MEET SOME OF THE STARS TEAM IN REGINA JASON PARRY POSITION: PILOT YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 17 HOMETOWN: VANCOUVER, B.C. Landing on a highway in the pitch dark to help someone during a scene call is impressive. I feel pretty fortunate to be part of this organization. I m no stranger to Saskatchewan because I have relatives here, but I admit that I m still trying to get used to the minus 35 temperatures. RYAN MACMILLAN POSITION: FLIGHT PARAMEDIC YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 8 HOMETOWN: SURREY, B.C. There is such a brother/sisterhood on the STARS team. My most memorable day on the job was when our founder, Dr. Greg Powell, gave an inspiring speech to our induction class. It s an honour and a privilege to serve the people of Saskatchewan. THOMAS FROH POSITION: FLIGHT NURSE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 6 HOMETOWN: REGINA, SK I m a pretty nervous flyer so it s a bit ridiculous that I applied for this position (I much prefer flying in a helicopter to an airplane). I love the clinical practice here. The level of critical thinking that s necessary in caring for patients is beyond anything I ve experienced. DENISE TRELEAVEN POSITION: FLIGHT NURSE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 20 HOMETOWN: REGINA, SK I wanted to expand my horizons and was drawn to STARS. I will never forget my first helicopter ride out of Calgary during induction training. We re trained to be the best of the best and a part of the chain of survival. SHANNON KOCH POSITION: FLIGHT PARAMEDIC YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 13 HOMETOWN: CHAPLIN, SK The medic-nurse teams at STARS have the most effective dynamic I have seen in EMS. Although providing critical care in a helicopter is challenging (it s small, hot and sometimes a rough ride,) we work as part of the best team around. How STARS fits into the emergency medical system is pretty special. WYATT WOYCIK POSITION: FLIGHT PARAMEDIC YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 11 HOMETOWN: WEYBURN, SK I was drawn to STARS for the higher level of education that would allow me to help more people. Meeting Carrie - one of my patients - has been one of the most memorable moments for me at STARS. There is no greater reward than helping people so they can see their family again. 8

9 MEET SOME OF THE STARS TEAM IN SASKATOON JENNY THORPE POSITION: FLIGHT NURSE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 10 HOMETOWN: SPY HILL, SK I have always had a passion for emergency medicine. I enjoy the unpredictable nature of what we do and having this opportunity as a nurse is pretty exciting. I know I am part of something extremely special. MATTHEW HOGAN POSITION: FLIGHT PARAMEDIC YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 12 HOMETOWN: CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. During my training in Calgary we were called out to help a young girl who sustained a serious head injury after she fell off a horse. I realized that wearing a blue suit means responding to some very challenging situations. It struck me then that I was about to embark upon a rewarding career. TARA OLIVER POSITION: FLIGHT PARAMEDIC YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 18 HOMETOWN: MOOSE JAW, SK I have worked both ground EMS and with fixed-wing air ambulance and for me, STARS is the perfect marriage of the two. During my orientation to STARS when I first heard Andrea, our CEO, talk about the impact the organization has had on thousands of patients, I knew I had made the best move of my career. JACOB KYREJTO POSITION: FLIGHT NURSE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 4 HOMETOWN: BORN IN GERMANY AND RAISED IN COLD LAKE, AB I am proud to call Saskatoon home now and when I heard STARS was coming, I jumped at the opportunity because I knew it would be the greatest job ever. Flying the very first call out of the Saskatoon base was special. The tones went off shortly after opening and I will never forget that feeling. BARRY TOLMIE POSITION: PILOT AND AVIATION BASE MANAGER YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 26 HOMETOWN: B.C. I love living in Saskatchewan because the people are so friendly. It s been a great experience so far and I ve had many memorable days since I started flying for STARS. In particular, I ll never forget being part of the crew that made a difference in a toddler s life and then getting to meet that family. MARK VANWERKHOVEN POSITION: FLIGHT PARAMEDIC YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 15 HOMETOWN: VALLEYVIEW, AB I spent six years working at the STARS base in Grande Prairie. I have a lot of family in this area so when it was announced STARS would be coming to Saskatchewan, I jumped at the chance to move here and be part of starting up the program in Saskatoon. As a bonus, I still get to stay connected with the crew back in Grande Prairie. 9

10 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 or [email protected]. During the summer of 1993, Cheryl Lorenz and her husband made the trip from their home in Raymore, SK to Alberta to visit the famed Calgary Stampede. The couple happened to park in a lot near the grounds where volunteers were collecting donations for STARS. Out of curiosity, Lorenz inquired about the meaning behind the acronym. As a friend explained STARS mission, the signature red helicopter flew overhead, almost as if on cue. Lorenz was amazed to learn about the work that STARS was doing in Alberta and kept up with the organization s developments over the years. She often wished she could be more involved. When Lorenz heard in 2011 that STARS was opening a base in Saskatchewan, she was ecstatic. She jumped at the opportunity to be a part of STARS in her own community. Everyone is so welcoming, said Lorenz, adding VOLUNTEER FOUND STARS IN A PARKING LOT CHERYL LORENZ HELPING OUT she likes that there is no minimum requirement for volunteer commitment. Half an hour or a whole day STARS will take whatever you can give and appreciate everything you do. Lorenz is one of about 10 volunteers in Saskatchewan. The program s coordinator, Nataly Westby, says volunteer efforts are critical to STARS success. These generous people have helped build our organization from its humble beginnings to where we are now, she said. They re part of a team that helps keep STARS in the sky. What Lorenz enjoys most about volunteering is the variety of ways in which she can donate her time. She s recently helped out at the inaugural Jewels n Jeans Gala in Regina, staffed a booth at a trade show in her hometown and served pancakes at a breakfast held by the local fire department. Young s Equipment FOR YOUR ONGOING FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE STARS PROGRAM. Without support from companies, STARS won t fly. We challenge all businesses in this province to support STARS in whatever way they can. TIM YOUNG, GENERAL MANAGER, YOUNG S EQUIPMENT INC. 10

11 RAISING FUNDS GIFTS THAT TAKE FLIGHT GREAT GIFTS THAT HELP STARS SAVE LIVES stars.ca GREAT GIFTS THAT HELP SAVE LIVES THE GIFT OF AIR $25 Oxygen tank refill FLIGHT PARAMEDIC WYATT WOYCIK ESCORTS VIP CARRIE DERIN OFF THE STAGE AT THE REGINA GALA AFTER SHE SHARES HER EXPERIENCE AS A STARS PATIENT. GALA EVENTS HELP KEEP STARS IN THE SKY PATIENT SHOWS HER GRATITUDE STARS is celebrating the success of several major galas over the past year in Saskatchewan that will go a long way toward helping to fund our helicopter ambulance service. STARS Foundation Executive Vice President, Rod Gantefoer, says the April Jewels n Jeans Gala in Regina exceeded expectations by raising more than $164,000. The funds are earmarked for operating bases in Regina and Saskatoon. Our inaugural gala in Regina went incredibly well in terms of financial success; generating awareness about our mission and simply executing a wonderful event that people were enthusiastic about, said Gantefoer. STARS Very Important Patient Carrie Derin had the crowd on their feet to thunderous applause when she invited the air medical crew that saved her life last summer to join her on stage. Derin and her family were enjoying a family outing in Moose Mountain Provincial Park when the mother of two was impaled in her abdomen by a tree that had fallen on a quad trail. She received a life-saving blood transfusion while being transported by STARS to Regina. It seems fitting that I am here tonight to talk about how the STARS family helped to bring me back to my family, Derin told guests. STARS President and CEO Andrea Robertson noted that while hundreds of supporters gathered to help raise funds for STARS, both helicopters were away on missions. The Regina gala was the third dinner and dance held to benefit the air ambulance service. The Regina Queen City Kinsmen and community of Melfort recently held similar events, helping raise thousands of dollars. Another STARS-organized gala will be held Sept. 14 in Saskatoon. Visit stars.ca for details. Our inaugural gala in Regina went incredibly well in terms of financial success and generating awareness about our mission. GUESTS AT THE REGINA JEWELS N JEANS GALA WERE TREATED TO A COUNTRY MUSIC PERFORMANCE BY GORD BAMFORD. THE GIFT OF DIAGNOSTICS $100 Medical diagnostics testing THE GIFT OF VISIBILITY $325 Flight suit THE GIFT OF PROFICIENCY $350 Fuel the helicopter for a check ride THE GIFT OF SAFETY $450 Helicopter maintenance check THE GIFT OF AIRSPACE $500 NAV Canada software for one year for one helicopter THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE $750 Community outreach educator THE GIFT OF HEALING $1000 Medical equipment used in the helicopter THE GIFT OF PROTECTION $1300 Medical flight helmet THE GIFT OF SIGHT $2700 Night vision goggle flight helmet THE GIFT OF TRAINING $4000 Human patient simulator maintenance THE GIFT OF FLIGHT $5400 Fund a STARS mission Learn more about these gifts and purchase online at foundation.stars.ca/gifts 11

12 UPCOMING EVENTS JULY 18 Lottery Early Bird Draw Saskatoon 24 Last day for STARS Saskatchewan Lottery ticket sales 30-3 Prince Albert Summer Fair AUGUST ABOVE: Members of the Regina crew accept a donation from Queen City Kinsmen at their annual Celebrity Sports Auction and Dinner. 2 Weyburn Centennial Homecoming Days Lottery Final Draws Saskatoon North Battleford Territorial Days Summer Fair 13 SaskTel Pioneers Saskatoon Base Tour & BBQ 24 Watson Community Golf Tournament SEPTEMBER ABOVE LEFT: STARS pilot Rorke Dueck offers RBC executive David McKay a close up of the BK117. In May, RBC Foundation committed $500,000 toward the development of a STARS mobile education and training program in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. ABOVE RIGHT: Watson Companies and Family donated $25,000 to STARS as part of their community giving platform. Members of the Watson family visited the Regina hangar this past spring. 8 Queen City Marathon Regina 14 Night with STARS Gala Saskatoon 16 NHL Charity Shootout Saskatoon Game 1 17 NHL Charity Shootout Regina Game 2 25 St. Brieux Woman s Auxiliary Club St. Brieux 27 NHL Charity Shootout Saskatoon Game 3 ABOVE LEFT: Andrew Wurtz, left, of the Bench Farming Company in Shaunoven, presented STARS representative, Jeff Dickson, with $5,400 on behalf of his community, to fund a flight and a hat. ABOVE RIGHT: Employees at all Saskatchewan Kal Tire stores flipped burgers in June to support STARS. In Estevan, visitors were treated to a BBQ, raffles, haircuts and other fundraising activities Estevan Business Expo NOVEMBER 6-7 SARM MidTerm Convention Regina Agribition Trade Show Regina ABOVE: In June, the helicopter landed at Young s Equipment Inc. in Regina. To commemorate the farm implement dealer s 25th anniversary, Young s donated $500,000 to STARS. RIGHT: Flight crew members Thomas Froh and Clark Jule accept a donation from Shelly Kauf, Legion commander in Weyburn. The chapter donated $3,000 from its poppy fund. 12

13 WORK HAS BEGUN AT A ROOFTOP HELIPAD AT THE REGINA GENERAL HOSPITAL The STARS helicopter is poised to land on helipads in at least two Saskatchewan communities by the end of the year, marking a significant improvement to patient care. A rooftop heliport, funded by the province, is currently being built at the Regina General Hospital, which receives STARS patients carried from missions in southern Saskatchewan. The $3.4-million project is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will save approximately 15 minutes in transport time. CONSTRUCTION HELIPADS WILL SHAVE TIME OFF TRANSPORTS Every second counts when dealing with trauma or critically ill patients so the sooner we can get our patients to a higher level of care, we re increasing their odds for a positive outcome. care is transferred to hospital personnel. The RGH heliport will be accessed by existing elevators and provide direct access to all critical care areas in the hospital. Meanwhile, a ground-level helipad in Estevan is nearly complete. The concrete was poured in mid-june and crews are putting the finishing touches on the structure. Once approved for use by Transport Canada, the St. Joseph s Hospital helipad is expected to be the first functioning helipad in the province. A rooftop helipad is also planned for the future Children s Hospital at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. PHOTO COURTESY OF PCL CONSTRUCTION OBITUARY JOHN PANTON He was an engaging storyteller, a master at delivering puns and always good for a funny joke or two. John Panton s dedication, devotion and admiration for STARS, however, were no laughing matter. Without John s support, and that of others from the Lions Club and community, STARS wouldn t be here, said Dr. Greg Powell, STARS founder. John and his colleagues supported our vision, and his commitment galvanized those involved during the initial years. On April 16, nearly three decades after John helped launch STARS, he passed away in Calgary. He was 90 years old. Dr. Powell and Panton met in in 1985, the year Panton was elected district governor for the Lions Club for District 37. Dr. Powell recalls a series of meetings with Lions members, including Panton, Art Hironaka and Dave Dalgetty, as well as medical colleague, Dr. Rob Abernethy. Those sessions culminated in a session at a Calgary hotel where STARS finances were calculated on a paper napkin. As district governor, Panton was looking for a key project to support and given his keen interest in aircraft - coupled with his parents medical backgrounds - an air ambulance service seemed a natural fit. The Lions committed to a $50,000 grant and a $50,000 loan to help get the project off the ground. Panton remained on STARS board of directors until JOHN PANTON Every second counts when dealing with trauma or critically ill patients so the sooner we can get to a higher level of care, we re increasing their odds for a positive outcome, said Dr. Terry Ross, medical director for STARS in Saskatchewan. Currently the STARS helicopter lands at the Regina airport and the patient is transferred into a waiting ground ambulance. The STARS medical crew remains with the patient until THE FIRST MEDICAL HELIPAD IN SASKATCHEWAN FOR USE BY STARS IS NEARLY COMPLETE IN ESTEVAN. PHOTO COURTESY OF ESTEVAN MERCURY 13

14 RECOGNIZING DEDICATION JOB PROFILE 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 awards and recognitions include: Marriott-Carlson Lifetime Achievement Award presented at the 2012 Air Medical Transportation Conference; Calgary Stampede 2012 Western Legacy Award in recognition as one of Alberta s 100 Outstanding Albertans; Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012; Consumer Choice Awards Calgary Business Man of the Year in 2012; was presented with a Eurocopter Golden Hour Award from the Helicopter Association International in March 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 DR. JOHN FROH WAS ON BOARD THE BK117 FOR AN HISTORIC MISSION. A DIFFERENT TYPE OF HOUSE CALL TRANSPORT PHYSICIANS PROVIDE CARE IN THE AIR 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, 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. 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. 14

15 SKIDS UP Arcola... 2 Ardill... 1 Assiniboine... 1 Avonlea... 1 Big Beaver... 1 Big River... 1 Broadview... 6 Cadillac... 1 Canora... 1 Carievale... 2 Carnduff... 2 Ceylon... 1 Chamberlain... 1 Clair... 1 Colonsay... 4 Craik... 3 Cudworth... 1 Davidson... 2 Dinsmore... 1 Dundurn... 1 Edenwold... 2 Enfield... 1 Esterhazy... 4 Estevan... 9 Fillmore... 1 Flaxcombe... 1 Fort Qu Appelle...13 Francis... 1 Girvin... 1 Gladmar... 1 Gordon... 3 Grenfell... 2 Hanley... 3 Herbert... 1 Heward... 1 Humboldt... 4 Imperial... 1 Indian Head... 3 James Smith... 1 Kamsack... 2 Kenaston... 1 Kenossee Lake... 1 Kindersley... 1 Kipling... 2 Lafleche... 1 Lajord... 1 Lang... 1 Langenburg... 1 Langham... 1 Lanigan... 1 Leslie... 1 Lestock... 3 Liberty... 1 Little Black Bear.. 2 Lloydminster... 3 Lumsden... 1 Meadow Lake... 1 Melfort... 1 Melville... 1 Montmartre... 1 Moose Jaw... 3 Moosomin... 8 Moran Lake... 1 Mortlach... 1 Nipawin... 1 North Battleford... 5 Ogema... 1 Okanese Reserve. 1 Oxbow... 2 Pambrun... 1 Piapot... 1 Preeceville... 2 Prince Albert... 2 Punnichy... 1 Radisson... 1 Radville... 1 Raymore... 4 Red Pheasant... 1 Redvers... 1 Regina Beach... 2 Rocanville... 1 Rockglen... 1 Rosthern... 1 Sandy Beach... 1 Saskatoon... 1 Silton... 1 Sintaluta... 1 Spiritwood... 1 Star Blanket... 1 Stoughton... 3 Swift Current... 7 Tisdale... 2 Touchwood... 1 Turtleford... 2 Unity... 2 Vanguard... 1 Vanscoy... 1 Vibank... 1 Viscount... 1 Wadena... 1 Wawota... 1 Weyakwin... 1 Weyburn... 9 Whitewood... 2 Wilkie... 1 Wishart... 1 Wolseley... 4 Wood Mountain.. 1 Wynyard... 3 Yorkton TOTAL: 217 STARS 2012 SASKATCHEWAN MISSIONS In 2012, STARS flew a total of 1,943 missions from our bases in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. 15

16 FEATURE DONOR WHY DO YOU SUPPORT STARS? SASKTEL FLIGHT PARAMEDIC JON ANTAL AND NURSE KEVIN EASTON (RIGHT) WITH REGINA MLA GENE MAKOWSKY AND SASKTEL PRESIDENT & CEO RON STYLES. Months after Christmas we are still celebrating a special gift from the province s leading full-service communications provider. SaskTel, one of the province s five major Crown Corporations, announced its five-year, $2-million commitment on Dec. 19. The gift represents a vote of confidence for the value of STARS work in rural and remote areas in Saskatchewan, said Rod Gantefoer, executive vice president of the Foundation. This donation helps us to continue to provide an additional level of protection, to not only SaskTel employees, their families and their customers but to the thousands of people in Saskatchewan who might be faced with a serious illness or injury, he said. We re thankful and we look forward to working with SaskTel into the future. Ron Styles, SaskTel president and CEO, said the partnership between SaskTel and STARS is a natural fit. We are extremely pleased to support the STARS organization and contribute to this very valuable emergency service for the entire province, said Styles. Our employees and customers live and work in areas across Saskatchewan and having rapid emergency care available will undoubtedly save many lives. Crown Investments Corporations Minister Donna Harpauer said having STARS operating in Saskatchewan offers hope to many. The government as a whole has committed to support STARS and the Crowns have crews working in rural and remote areas across the province, sometimes in hazardous conditions, she said. We all have a stake in public safety and emergency response. STARS SUMMER 2013 Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service Foundation RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO: STARS Regina Base 2640 AIRPORT ROAD REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN S4W 1A IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A GIFT TO HELP SUPPORT STARS: Call our Donations Department at make an online Donation at stars.ca insert a Cheque in the envelope provided.