To ensure that critical care is available to patients anywhere, at any time, STARS’ annual Critical Care on the Air Radiothon will be broadcasting across 40 Saskatchewan radio stations today and tomorrow.

President and CEO of STARS Katherine Emberly says STARS was started nearly 40 years ago by an emergency physician who noticed that rural and remote patients were suffering because of how far away they lived from large medical centers.

“In the early days, everyone volunteered their time, and it was really pulled together with donations across the community. We’ve kept out roots, so we have some support from government, but it’s really the community that makes it happen,” Emberly admits.

She adds that STARS is more than a helicopter. It’s a highly trained team of healthcare workers and pilots that go above and beyond to care for their patients.

”What really comes to your side is highly trained nurses, paramedics, pilots, physicians, to really help. In the back of that helicopter, it is very close to an ICU with incredible equipment.”

She adds that accidents can happen at any time, and supporting the radiothon will continue to provide quality care to those in need.

“You never know what might happen, and STARS is there to help wherever that might be. We really focus on rural and remote, outside of the cities.”

To donate during the two-day broadcast, community members can call the Viterra Lifeline at 1-877-50-STARS. BHP will be matching the first $50,000 in donations. Every time the hashtag #STARScareontheair is used on social media, Saskatchewan Blue Cross will donate between $100 and $10,000 to STARS.