Manitoba flood officials getting a lift from Alberta air ambulance company

The Manitoba government has contracted an Alberta company to provide air rescue services during the flood season.

Stars Air Ambulance landed its helicopter at Richardson International Airport in Winnipeg on the weekend and has already flown several missions in flooded areas. The company will be available across southern Manitoba until the flood risk decreases.

Stars (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) has been operating in Calgary since 1985 and Edmonton since 1991. The company provides emergency transport to critically ill and injured patients in Alberta and southeastern British Columbia.

Brenda Gregory of Manitoba's Emergency Medical Services said the Stars staff spent a lot of time figuring out where the helicopter could effectively land and take off.

"The term, 'blown away' has been used twice by two separate people, so they are impressed with us and we're hugely impressed with them.

"There's been weeks of preparation by our branch and the medical transportation co-ordination centre in Brandon. There has been a lot of instrumental people, literally in their cars on the ground looking at landing sites within and outside of the flood zone."

Gregory said the feedback, so far, from the Stars crew and Manitoba emergency staff has been excellent.

The province has contracted the company until the floodwaters are no longer a threat.