Sunny 94 and LacombeOnline will begin the Critical Care on the Air two-day Radiothon beginning tomorrow, October 15th in support of STARS Air Ambulance.

The non-profit organization receives the majority of their funding through government, community fundraising, individual donations, and corporate support. This year, the pandemic has made it difficult for fundraising opportunities and STARS is looking for a bit of extra cash.

“Really, every dollar counts and all of that money goes to keeping our fleet and our staff in operation. We have on average eight missions per day across Western Canada at all of our six faces. Our flights haven't deteriorated during this last season, they're still on par for exactly the same numbers as they've been in the past,” said Terri Eger, Manager of Events and Community Engagement for STARS.

The organization also fields around 40 emergency calls per day in their Emergency Link Centre.  Transport physicians and other staff are able to help people out in the field without the leaving the ground. They also have a mobile training unit for first responders.

“We will go out to them and give them additional training. We work with firefighters and first responders for training on how to land the helicopter and then also other services that they could put into practice in their own communities,” said Eger.

Red Deer resident, 12-year-old Jayden Sorsdahl is a STARS VIP. Yearly, he sells hot chocolate in support of STARS. The air ambulance saved his life when he was only 6-year-old after his sodium levels plummeted to dangerous levels because of a health condition.

The shiny red helicopter is called for all sorts of emergent incidents including but not limited to motor vehicle accidents, ATV accidents, incidents at the local lakes, heart attacks, and inter-hospital transfers. Eger says that Central Alberta is well situated in that STARS in both Edmonton and Calgary can respond to the area.

“Last year, we flew into Red Deer 67 times. If you think about it, that's more than once a week,” added Eger.

She believes the helicopter gives people more time to receive the urgent care they need.

“When they're in in having their darkest day, seeing and hearing that helicopter come in, we're giving them the gift of hope and the gift of time to try to get them to that care that they need in their darkest hour,” explained Eger.

Stettler resident, Hank Postma received care from STARS Air Ambulance when he found himself having a heart attack during a skiing trip just at the top of the ski hill. He says the air ambulance has given him many of life’s greatest opportunities.

 “When I went down with the heart attack, one thing I was thinking is I can't miss my son's wedding. I fought and I struggled to get to the hospital and STARS got me there with the help of my flight nurse, Pat Jeffrey.  I'm more appreciative of my life and not only did I meet or make the wedding, I also saw the birth of my first grandchild,” said Postma.

Overall, STARS is happy to serve the community and give people the gift of life.  If you would like to donate to STARS Air Ambulance you can click here, call 1-877-50-STARS, or text STARS to 45678.