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RM of Pipestone to Support STARS

Refueling trailer the first of its kind in Manitoba.
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Standing in front of the refueling trailer for STARS Air Ambulance helicopter is (l-r) STARS representative Jason Johnson, firefighters Dean Brooker, Aaron Stanley, Ken Moore, Councillor Garnet Williamson, firefighters Scott Stanley and Vince Moore and Councillor Lane Wanless.

The RM of Pipestone has purchased a refueling trailer to support STARS Air Ambulance. The trailer will be dispatched to emergencies when STARS is called in Southwest Manitoba. Refueling trailers are used by fire departments in Saskatchewan and Alberta but this is the first of its kind in Manitoba.

This trailer will enable STARS to refuel at the scene rather than travelling to a nearby airport or fuel cache. This will help to provide rapid response to medical emergencies. The trailer, stored at the fire hall in Reston, will bring the fuel to any point throughout southwest Manitoba and southeastern Saskatchewan which can be reached before STARS arrives. 

“The re-fueling trailer can be used immediately. Fire fighters have already attended training, and we’re ready to go!” stated Archie McPherson, Reeve, RM of Pipestone.

The RM of Pipestone has fully funded this trailer.

“With an initial investment of less than $10,000 for the trailer, pumps, fuel and training, this will provide security, peace of mind and improve our current emergency services,” said McPherson.

“We appreciate the RM of Pipestone making this investment in the safety of its residents,” said STARS Provincial Director, Manitoba Operations Grant Therrien. “When you are dealing with critically ill and injured patients, every second counts. Having this refueling trailer available to us will help to save time and improve outcomes for the patients we transport.”

Fire Chief (Pipestone-Albert Fire Department) Lane Wanless stated, “Improving helicopter response time by having fuel onsite may save lives of not only residents of the RM of Pipestone but the people traveling through as well as the many contract workers in the Region.”

STARS is a charitable, non-profit air rescue service operating in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Eastern BC. To support the STARS Foundation, please visit their website at www.stars.ca

 

Submitted by Tanis Chalmers

Community Development, RM of Pipestone

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