Local heliport reopens, improving access to critical care

STARS can now land its helicopters at Westlock Healthcare Centre

WESTLOCK – The upgraded heliport at the Westlock Healthcare Centre is now operational after Transport Canada issued a flight certificate confirming air ambulance helicopters, including STARS, can once again land at the Alberta Health Services (AHS) facility.

“The ability to have all medevac helicopters land right here at the Westlock Healthcare Centre will improve access for patients who need critical care transport,” says Dr. Firdaus Mydeen, Associate Zone Medical Director for AHS North Zone.

The heliport can accommodate both STARS helicopters: the BK117 and the larger AW139, which can provide care across greater distances.

STARS helicopters are more than an ambulance in the air; they are sophisticated medical environments brought directly to the patient. This can mean the difference in the health outcome of a patient when time is of the essence. On board, a full array of medications and equipment is at the disposal of the air medical crew. STARS personnel are able to administer life-saving drugs, defibrillate a patient’s heart, transfuse blood, and peer inside a patient using portable ultrasound.

“Many lives have been saved because of our ability to provide transport and medical expertise to critically ill and injured patients via air ambulance,” says Mike Lamacchia, Vice President of Alberta and Saskatchewan Operations at STARS.

In 2013, the Government of Alberta provided AHS $25 million for remediation of 13 priority heliport sites across the province over three years, including the local heliport in Westlock.

“Time is critical in medical emergencies, so the ability to accommodate all air ambulance helicopters at the Westlock Healthcare Centre is vitally important,” says Sarah Hoffman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “The heliport upgrades will give patients improved access to the life-saving care they need and will also give our dedicated front-line responders a greater ability to provide responsive critical care.”

AHS’ EMS team, including dispatch services, ground ambulances and fixed-wing air ambulances, work with STARS as a key partner to provide an integrated emergency medical response service. STARS physicians, nurses, paramedics and pilots work with a team of dedicated support staff and community partners to be there for Albertans and to save lives 24/7.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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