Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) has almost reached its goal of CAN$13 million for an upgraded helicopter that will serve Manitoba.
The Airbus H145 will replace the BK117 which is nearing the end of its operational service. STARS spokesperson Shandy Walls explains their current models are no longer being produced and becoming costly to maintain and source parts for.
Walls stated the new helicopter will be more technologically advanced flying intensive care unit and has more interior space, which will be appreciated by the crew. The helicopter also has a smaller footprint allowing it to operate in even more confined areas that the BK117 is not able to land in.
The change is part of an upgrading that the air ambulance services across Canada are undergoing to move from the two helicopter types in service: eight BK117s and three AW139s to a single one-type fleet.
With each new helicopter costing $13 million each, one has been ordered for Manitoba, but Walls notes that another $5 million is needed from the province in order to have the helicopter in place by next spring.
The Pembina Valley, within Manitoba remains one of the most active regions for STARS and the region’s population is a strong supporter of the flight.
