Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society

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The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (S.T.A.R.S) was formed in Calgary, Alberta, as a means of funding the purchase of the city's first medical evacuation helicopter (Air Ambulance).

Stars holds a lottery every year to generate funding for the service, the five Eurocopter BK-117 helicopters and the maintenance required to keep them air worthy.

Eurocopter BK-117 specifications:
Maximum Weight: 3 200 kg
Height: 3.36 m
Length: 13 m
Maximum Speed: 280 km/hr (150 kts/hr)
Normal Cruise Speed: 240 km/hr (120 kts/hr)
Maximum Operating Altitude: 15,000 feet
Maximum Range: 580 km
Engines: Twin 727 hp Turboshaft Lycomings*
Transmission: Kawasaki

The STARS helicopter fleet covers within 250km of both Calgary and Edmonton which contains the greater population of Alberta. While STARS owns 5 BK-117 helicopters, two are constantly prepared to respond to medical emergencies and largely decrease transport times for injured people to get to an appropriate medical facility.