"Lucky to have STARS"
Carrie Derin
STARS Very Important Patient (VIP)
Carrie Derin was looking forward to getting out of the city and celebrating the last weekend of summer vacation with her family in Moose Mountain Provincial Park, but the day didn't go quite as planned. During a family quad outing on Aug. 31, 2012 Carrie was pierced in her abdomen and impaled against her seat by a poplar tree that had fallen on the trail. She sustained a lacerated liver, damage to her diaphragm, shattered ribs and significant blood loss. While her husband raced to find an area with cell service and call for help, Carrie knew she needed to stay strong for her 10 and 15-year-old daughters.

"The only thing going through my head was I couldn't pass out and needed to stay awake," recalls Carrie.

When the STARS air medical crew picked up Carrie, she was in critical condition and they knew every second would matter. The flight crew took to the air, quickly landing at nearby Arcola Hospital where they made a two-minute stop to pick up blood. Carrie received that life-saving blood transfusion during the 40-minute flight to Regina.

Carrie spent the next couple weeks recovering in hospital before returning to her home in Regina. In November, she and her family visited the Regina STARS base to meet her flight crew.

"We're so lucky to have STARS here in Saskatchewan. When you see that helicopter in the sky, know that it's holding angels and carrying the best gift of all... life!"



YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN MANY LIVES.
LACY PANNO
STARS flight nurse, Regina
"Joining STARS has been a career highlight because nothing compares with going on a mission. Being able to make a positive impact on the worst day of someone's life motivates me every day. I feel pretty fortunate to be a part of STARS in Saskatchewan and work for an organization that has made a huge difference in thousands of lives."
DAN LORENZ
Raymore fire chief
"I have seen first-hand how STARS can help people in my own community. As a member of the volunteer fire department, I'm proud to help secure a safe landing area for the helicopter when someone in my community needs it. My wife and I are passionate about STARS and encourage everyone to support this organization. It sure is comforting to know STARS is here if we need them."
CHELSEY KARAKOCHUK
Very Important Patient, Saskatoon
"Nothing makes me happier than knowing that the big red helicopter is watching over me, my loved ones and the rest of the province of Saskatchewan. I was only eight years old when I was in a car accident in Sherwood Park in the summer of 1999. I have a great life today thanks to STARS."
STARS Mission is a team effort and you are part of the team!
STARS is a non-profit organization that provides specialized emergency care and transport for critically ill and injured patients. From two Saskatchewan bases, STARS provides helicopter air ambulance services for people living, working or traveling in this province. Our doctors, nurses, paramedics and pilots work with a team of dedicated support staff and community partners to save lives. All funds raised through the Saskatchewan lottery will remain in this province to support the operation of the Saskatoon and Regina bases.