STARS Enhances Mental Health Support for First Responders

The STARS Air Ambulance service is prioritizing mental health support for first responders following a tragic mass casualty event in Hollow Water First Nation on September 4. A mass stabbing resulted in one fatality and injuries to seven others, prompting an immediate response from the helicopter crew, which included flight paramedic Grant Therrien.

As the crew launched into a situation marked by intense emotional and physical challenges, Therrien reflected on the gravity of their work. “We know that when we launch the helicopter, it’s probably someone that’s having the worst day of their life,” he stated. The STARS team airlifted two critically injured patients to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, underscoring the essential role of emergency medical services in life-threatening situations.

Upon returning to base, the crew received support from a peer support team and Orion, the therapy dog assigned to STARS. This initiative aims to help first responders process their experiences and ensure they are mentally prepared for future missions. “We want to make sure that our staff are looked after so they’re ready to go on that next call,” Therrien added, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness for those in high-stress roles.

The need for such initiatives has been highlighted by incidents involving severe accidents, including that of Sean Rickards. Rickards was severely injured in a farming accident when he became trapped between two machines. His critical condition necessitated immediate transport, which was facilitated by STARS, significantly reducing his travel time to an emergency room. “There’s no way that any other attempt would have allowed me to be here,” he remarked, crediting STARS with saving his life.

This focus on mental health extends beyond individual cases. STARS has launched various programs aimed at addressing the psychological toll experienced by first responders. The inclusion of therapy dog Orion, a three-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, has been particularly beneficial. Therrien noted that employee wellness has markedly improved since Orion’s involvement, as crews often face traumatic events that require emotional processing.

In partnership with other first responders, such as firefighters and law enforcement, STARS conducts debriefing sessions after critical incidents, including the recent highway accident near Carberry, which claimed 17 lives. Therrien explained the value of these discussions: “Sometimes it’s just getting your emotions out and what you’re feeling, knowing you’re not alone.”

In a significant development for the future of emergency medical services in Manitoba, the provincial government recently signed an $84 million contract with STARS. This agreement ensures that the organization will continue to provide vital air ambulance services for the next decade. Following the decommissioning of the Lifeflight service in 2019, STARS has taken on a crucial role in emergency care across western Canada, completing approximately 800 missions in Manitoba each year.

As the air ambulance service continues to respond to emergencies that often involve life-and-death situations, the emphasis on mental health support for first responders remains critical. Through initiatives like debriefing sessions and the presence of therapy animals, STARS is working to create a supportive environment that fosters resilience and well-being among its staff.