Alberta government helicopter report prompts NDP reaction

The province is studying a new report on Alberta’s helicopter emergency medical services. It outlines potential changes to the way emergency medical service responders work in our province. The suggestion would increase provincial funding for STARS air ambulance budget from 23% to 50%. STARS would also become the number one helicopter service provider for the entire province. David Shepherd, the NDP Health Critic for Edmonton City Centre, says Tyler Shandro and the UCP should have consulted more with local helicopter emergency services.

In 2019-2020, STARS made over 1250 rescue trips, which accounted for almost 93% of total missions in Alberta. Currently AHS provides close to $8.5-million dollars per year to helicopter emergency medical services funding.