WINNIPEG – It could be several more weeks before Manitoba’s air ambulance system is back in the air.
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society or STARS has been grounded due to safety concerns since December. In less than a year, there have been three critical on-board incidents, including one death.
Health Minister Erin Selby said until she receives a final report, STARS will be grounded.
“We know hundreds of Manitobans have used the STARS service, and no doubt many credit the fact they’re here today because of that,” said Selby. “But our medical professionals raised some serious concerns and advised that we look into that, and we take that advice very seriously.”
Critics want to know why Manitobans are still waiting for the important service to resume.
“We’re starting to wonder what’s going on and starting to wonder about the minister’s judgement in keeping air ambulance service away from Manitobans,” Progressive Conservative health critic Myrna Driedger said.
When the provincial government shut down emergency rooms in rural areas around Manitoba, STARS was supposed to be the answer. But new data questions just how responsive this $12 million a year program is.
In the past two months, there have been 21 incidents where STARS could have been called. Instead, ground ambulances responded and the province estimates transport time for 20 of those was on average 26 minutes faster on the ground. In only one instance would a helicopter have been the quicker option.
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