WESTLOCK – STARS Air Ambulance asked Westlock County to increase its annual contribution from $10,000 to $15,000.
The requested amount aligns with the majority of other regions already paying $2 per capita, said Glenda Farnden, senior municipal relations liaison with STARS, during the Westlock County Council meeting on Aug. 13.
“That’s asking you to join 75 per cent of regional leaders,” she said. “It really provides that sustainability piece for us as the mission rates continue to increase. We are averaging 10 missions per day.”
According to Farnden, STARS averages 23 missions a year in the Westlock County area. This represents more than $150,000 to $200,000 in mission costs, with no cost to the patients.
As of July 31, STARS transported 15 area patients, including two near Busby, one near Clyde, eight critical inter-facility transfers from Westlock Hospital, and four near Westlock.
Since 2010, STARS has flown 165 area patients from Westlock, Clyde, Busby, Dapp, Jarview, Fawcett, Pickardville, and Vimy. Of those, 129 were picked up in Westlock and 36 were flown from 20 other pickup locations.
In June, STARS signed a 10-year funding agreement with AHS for $15 million a year from the province. STARS, however, has to make up $27.8 million a year through fundraising, municipal contributions and corporate partnerships.
STARS receives 36,000 emergency requests a year through its Emergency Link Centre, said Farnden.
They now carry four units of universal blood and have a Massive Hemorrhage Protocol for severe trauma patients.
“We have seen so many severe trauma cases where more than two units were needed,” said Farnden, adding that it was a new trial in Saskatchewan last year and is now in place in Alberta this year.
She said if a patient requires more than two units of blood they apply two products to reverse anticoagulation and promote blood clotting before giving the additional two units of blood.
In addition, STARS can now provide virtual care, sending physicians links at the hospitals.
“This is another advancement especially for rural hospitals,” said Farnden.
Reeve Christine Wiese said Westlock County appreciates what STARS does for its residents.
“You’re always the best hope in the worst-case scenario for our residents. We definitely see you as a huge benefit to our region."
Council will discuss the increased funding request during its upcoming budget deliberations.
