The New Stars Air Ambulance Blood on Board transfusion initiative is going well.

The program, which carries blood out to those in rural communities, has already been used 13 times since it began back in February.

"Now that we are in the summer months our crews are quite busy, particularly on weekends with a lot of trauma calls," shared Media Relations Coordinator, Cam Heke.  "In the month of June, Stars flew 62 missions here in Manitoba. More specifically to the South Central region we have had 19 calls out in that area."

Heke credits the increase in calls to a rise in motor vehicle and ATV accidents along with medical emergencies in rural communities.

Many of the recent ATV incidents have been due to rollovers, head and crush injuries.

Heke encouraged parents of young children to make sure they are using equipment safely, wearing helmets and are the appropriate age and size for the machine.

He explained a few reasons for the increase in motor vehicle accidents.

"A lot of it is higher volume so in summertime people are hitting the highways they are out on vacation," said Heke.  "Then there is the usual unfortunate suspects of inattention.  There are still times when people are driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol so that causes problems as well."

Heke added planning for Stars upcoming Rescue on the Island fundraiser has begun. Three of the eight participants for the event have already been selected.

La Broquerie Fire Chief, Alain Nadeau, Enns Brothers Sales and Marketing Vice President, Kevin Comte and Brad Lawson of Clark's Poultry in Brandon will participate in the annual fundraiser.

The event will be held in September.