STARS Enhances Mental Health Support for First Responders

The STARS Air Ambulance service is taking significant steps to address the mental health challenges faced by first responders. On September 4, 2023, the crew received a distress call regarding a mass casualty event at Hollow Water First Nation. Following a mass stabbing that resulted in one fatality and seven injuries, the STARS team was dispatched to provide urgent medical support.

Grant Therrien, a flight paramedic involved in the mission, highlighted the unpredictable nature of their work. “You never know what you’re going to encounter,” Therrien explained. “When we launch the helicopter, it’s probably someone that’s having the worst day of their life.” Tragically, the accused in the incident died after colliding with an RCMP vehicle while attempting to flee.

STARS successfully airlifted two critically injured patients to Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre. Upon returning to their base, the crew was greeted by a peer support team and Orion, the service’s therapy dog. This initiative is part of STARS’ commitment to ensuring the emotional well-being of its personnel. “We want to make sure that our staff are looked after so they’re ready to go on that next call,” Therrien added.

Prioritizing Mental Wellness

The introduction of mental wellness programs is crucial for first responders, who frequently confront traumatic situations. Therrien noted the importance of these initiatives, particularly in light of the serious incidents crews encounter. One notable case involved Sean Rickards, a general contractor who sustained severe injuries in a farm accident. He was transported to an emergency room in Winnipeg by STARS, significantly reducing his travel time.

“There’s no way that any other attempt would have allowed me to be here,” Rickards stated, emphasizing the lifesaving role of STARS. His wife, Mindy Rickards, reflected on the situation, saying, “You hear stories about accidents, and you don’t really ever think it can happen to you. STARS was ultimately key to what was keeping our family together.”

STARS has made a concerted effort to prioritize mental health by integrating therapy animals into their support framework. Orion, a three-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, is stationed in Winnipeg but travels to various STARS bases as needed. Therrien reported that the presence of therapy dogs has positively impacted employee wellness.

The organization also collaborates with other first responders, including firefighters and law enforcement, to provide debriefing sessions after traumatic events like the Hollow Water incident and a devastating highway accident near Carberry that claimed 17 lives in early 2023.

“Sometimes it’s just getting your emotions out and what you’re feeling,” Therrien explained. “Knowing you’re not alone, that your partners are also feeling the same way, is really important.”

Long-Term Commitment to Emergency Care

STARS operates year-round, delivering emergency medical care across western Canada with approximately 800 missions conducted annually in Manitoba. The organization recently secured an $84 million contract with the provincial government, ensuring its service will continue for another decade.

The former Progressive Conservative government had initiated the decommissioning of the Lifeflight air ambulance service in 2019. In late 2020, STARS expanded its operations, assuming a critical role in the province’s emergency medical transport system.

The ongoing efforts by STARS to bolster mental health resources reflect a growing recognition of the psychological toll that emergency responders face. By fostering an environment of support and understanding, STARS aims to ensure that their dedicated personnel are equipped to handle the challenges of their vital roles.

For more information about STARS and its initiatives, interested individuals can visit their official website.