STARS Air Ambulance visited both the Town & County of Stettler in mid-April, to provide an annual update on the service’s regional impact.
Data shared with the councils shows that STARS averages approximately 20 missions per year within Stettler County, totaling 100 calls since 2021.
Cardiac-related calls now account for 21 percent of STARS missions, surpassing motor vehicle incidents, which currently sit at 19 percent.
Operating the air ambulance fleet remains a massive financial undertaking. In Alberta, operating costs reach $36.6 million annually, or roughly $12.2 million per base.
While the Alberta government provides $15 million in support, STARS must rely on donations & fundraising such as the STARS Lottery to cover about 59 percent of its operational budget.
As for municipal funding, the Town of Stettler maintains a standing motion to provide $12,000 annually, while the County of Stettler contributes $14,000 per year.
Founded by Dr. Greg Powell following the tragic death of a mother in a rural community in 1985, the service flew its first patient in December of that year.
STARS operates 24/7 from bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Regina, Saskatoon & Winnipeg.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
