Helping STARS Air Ambulance provide cutting edge treatment for Manitobans when they need it most is at the heart of The STARS Critical Care on the Air Radiothon happening today and tomorrow, September 28th and 29th, on PembinaValleyOnline as well as Country88 and CFAM Radio 950. The money raised over the next two days will support STARS operations in Manitoba.

The annual fundraiser supports the medical service which flew 657 missions from its Winnipeg base during 2020-21, and recently welcomed a new H-145 helicopter to its Winnipeg operation.

“The way I describe the new aircraft is it's a generational investment,” explains STARS C.E.O. Andrea Robertson. “The aircraft we're saying goodbye to, we flew for 36 years. When we invest in new aircraft it’s not a tomorrow thing, it’s not like trading up in a car. We fly them for a long, long time. What we're trying to say to the community, to all Manitobans, is we're going to be here for generations to come.”

Robertson notes the new helicopter is easily upgradeable on the avionics side, but more importantly when new things come on the medical side of things, the interior of the craft has been designed to be well positioned to upgrade.

“What we're trying to indicate by bringing this new aircraft in is we're in for the long term, and nothing’s more important than, honestly, (than) getting better and better, so that we can provide better and better care.”

Whether it’s at the cottage, travelling on the highway or during a hike with friends, STARS is there when accidents happen, providing world-class critical care and rapid transport to hospital. Those receiving care are referred to as VIPs by STARS personnel.... Very Important Patients.

Robertson shares meeting VIPs is a tremendously special moment for the STARS Team.

“They come into the base and meet the crew that actually flew them, and it's actually standing on the outside and watching that interaction between the crew that wasn't sure whether the person they tried to save, actually did survive,” says Robertson. “To see the pilot with tears in their eyes, seeing the recovery of someone who was so catastrophically injured is humbling, and frankly beyond words.”

Those VIPS have come from all corners of the province, with the STARS helicopter able to land almost anywhere.

“When you see some of the photos of the helicopter landing beside a lake, or hovering over a lake, and our air medical crew getting out, and then the aircraft going to seek somewhere safer to land, it really brings it home how vast our

country is,” explains Robertson. “We have a huge geography that is complex, lots of water you know, and so to have the ability to get over that water, to a small piece of land, to land at the side... those are the places we can make a difference.”

STARS Air Ambulance is celebrating its 10th anniversary of flying in Manitoba in 2021-22, and Robertson reflected on what excites her most about STARS future in Manitoba.

“What I truly and honestly believe is our ability to do more,” says Robertson. “So whether that's coming to pick you up in an aircraft, or providing support, even virtually, to people that are caring for you in the far north, for example. Those are the things that I believe we can continue to do, and care for more and more Manitobans. We shouldn't be limited by the distance. We need to be thinking about what the future holds that we can virtually put our arms around you, or physically put our arms around you.”

You can make a donation to the STARS Critical Care on the Air Radiothon by clicking here, or by calling 1-877-57-STARS or text STARS to 45678 to make a $25 pledge.