The Saskatchewan government has signed an agreement with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) to bring emergency medical helicopter services to the province.
Premier Brad Wall made the announcement Wednesday in Regina alongside STARS president and CEO Dr. Greg Powell.
Wall says the service will benefit critically ill and injured patients in Saskatchewan, particularly those in rural and remote areas.
The province is providing $5 million toward the initiative in this year's budget, and an estimated $10 million annually in the years ahead.
The remaining costs will be covered by corporate donations and STARS fundraising efforts.
Potash giant Mosaic Co. is contributing $5.5 million toward the initiative and Crescent Point Energy is chipping in $5 million.
The STARS helicopters will be based in Regina and Saskatoon, and will operate alongside Saskatchewan's existing ground and fixed-wing air ambulance services.
Currently, more than 100 road ambulance services provide emergency medical transportation in the province. Saskatchewan Air Ambulance operates three fixed-wing aircraft based in Saskatoon.
The STARS helicopter service is expected to launch in spring 2012 in southern Saskatchewan, and fall 2012 in the central and northern regions of the province.
