STARS Air Ambulance in Saskatchewan will be able to buy important equipment and provide training with a 100-thousand dollar donation from the Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation.

The money is going toward the purchase of four pairs of night vision goggles as well as landing zone and rural first responders training.

STARS was the first civilian air ambulance service to use night vision goggles and now carries blood and ultrasound equipment on board.

STARS Foundation Vice President Wendy Beauchesne says the gift keeps the spirit of innovation alive which means better treatment for patients.

Mark Arcand says the donation was a no brainer.

The Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief and C-D-C board member says their rationale goes further than the 51 calls last year in their catchment area.

Arcand says the board is proud to support an organization that makes a difference across Saskatchewan.

Arcand spoke about having to run to a neighbour’s house to call for help when his great-grandfather had a heart attack many years ago and being able to get high-tech assistance to victims within minutes is one reason the board decided to donate.

The money will also fund visits by STAR’s mobile medical unit to train rural first responders, The vehicle is equipped to simulate numerous different emergencies rescue workers could experience in the field. STARS staff travel with the unit to assist with the sessions.

Arcand called the vehicle an impressive state-of-the-art tool to provide training that will save lives.