News Release Archive
HEALTH--AIR MEDICAL TRANSPORT PROGRAM LAUNCHED ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotia's emergency and critical care safety-net was expanded today to serve every corner of the province with a new specially staffed and equipped helicopter. "Having a helicopter and a highly trained staff gives all Nova Scotians rapid access to critical care," said Premier John Savage. "Now no matter where you live in Nova Scotia, you will have access to the best care available in the province." Canadian Helicopters and STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) have been awarded a five-year contract to provide a helicopter-based air medical transport service. The two organizations will combine their expertise to provide both the program management and the aviation components of the contract. "Canadian and STARS have an excellent service and safety record across Canada and we are looking forward to working with them to provide the best possible air medical transport program for Nova Scotia." said Dr. Mike Murphy, commissioner of Emergency Health Services Nova Scotia. "We're building on a tradition of excellence which began 15 years ago by the IWK-Grace neo-natal and pediatric air medical transport team." The two companies providing this service have significant experience in air medical transport programs. STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) is a non-profit organization that has been managing an Alberta air medical transport program for the past 10 years. Canadian Helicopters has been providing a dedicated, helicopter ambulance service for Ontario since 1977. The base cost for the new contract is $619,000 per year, excluding flight hours. It has been estimated that the total cost including flight time will be $900,000, which is based on 150 to 200 emergency transports a year. -30- Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025 trp June 13, 1996 - 11:30 a.m.