A significant rise in emergency calls to STARS Air Ambulance during the month of March has caused so significant safety concerns. STARS received over fifty five calls in March from across the province, eighteen of which were from the south central region.

Three of the March calls were trauma related, nine emergency calls and five motor vehicle accidents.

"It's definitely picking up as we head toward the summer season, so I think in addition to the increase of highway traffic causing incidents, we will see similar situations with ATV's and others things," said Flight Nurse Sarah Painter.

Painter added that there are some top reminders we need to think about heading into the warmer months.

"When it comes to high water and flooding in the area, we would like to reinforce that people respect highway closures, and stay clear of evacuated areas," explained Painter.

The Stars crew will take hover-exit training this coming Tuesday. This involves the medical crew exiting the helicopter while it is hovering above ground or water, which is useful when there is no solid landing zone available. On average the STARS crew has used this training three times a year, and all crew members update this training annually.

STARS Air ambulance was also recently chosen as the Access Credit Union Charity of choice and will receive funding from the organization over the next two years.

"It's really exciting for us, we are so thankful to Access Credit Union and the great support from the community is very well received and appreciated," exclaimed Painter.

Patients transported by STARS helicopter won't be receiving a bill for their emergency flight. It's all thanks in part to the community support and donations that STARS receives.