Manitoba Blue Cross makes $3-M donation to STARS air ambulance

The largest donation in STARS Air Ambulance Manitoba’s history will support its life-saving operations over the next decade, including the creation of a new state-of-the-art medical simulation lab designed to enhance training.

Manitoba Blue Cross announced a $3-million contribution Tuesday at the Winnipeg base of Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service, which will be renamed the STARS Manitoba Blue Cross Winnipeg Base in recognition of the gift.

“STARS was built by the community for the community… so this is a big deal for us, it makes that next innovation possible,” said STARS president and CEO Dr. John Froh.

The expansion will bring a new simulator indoors for staff training. Currently, the simulator is housed in a large bus outside the hangar. Expected to be completed late next year, the project will also create additional space for crew and equipment.

“We’re here to protect Manitobans, so this, for us, was amazing, a no-brainer,” said Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “We insure half the province, but even if you don’t have our coverage, we’re helping you with peace of mind.

Froh said the new simulation centre will reinforce a cornerstone of STARS’ training process.’

“It’s key to really honing the edge, to keeping (our crews) on top of their game,” he said. “Whether it’s a procedure like capturing an airway or navigating a complex shock patient, simulation is as close as you can get to real-life practice.”

The simulations that crews practise are real-life scenarios that have taken place in the past.

“It really puts the pressure on and hones team performance,” Froh said.

Teams practise sometimes daily, totalling hundreds of hours per year.

Earlier this year, the province inked an $84-million contract with STARS, under which the private service will provide emergency medical care and transport to Manitobans for another decade.

Since STARS was established in the province in 2009, it has responded to more than 10,000 calls for service.

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca