STARS celebrates its first neonatal helicopter transfer in Sask.

A Saskatchewan newborn needing critical care was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Regina in December, marking a first for STARS.

The non-profit helicopter ambulance service called it “a major accomplishment,” which used new equipment that was approved late in 2023.

STARS fight paramedic Ryan MacMillan, who was part of the first-of-its-kind mission, said it wasn’t an easy task.

“The unique aspect of this child being born out of hospital was there were a lot of logistical challenges to overcome, with a lot of moving parts behind the scenes,” MacMillan explained in a statement.

“All of the various care providers involved really worked hard to reach that end goal of getting baby safely and quickly to the Regina General Hospital NICU Department; it was inspiring.”

The organization has been preparing to transport infants in need of critical care for some time, STARS said in a statement. Previously, the helicopter service was able to transport an NICU team and their isolette – an enclosed, heated medical crib – to the side of their patients, rather than the other way around.

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“Knowing the need would arise to transport an infant eventually, in 2021 STARS began the many preparations to ensure crews could safely undergo the process,” the air ambulance service explained.

“When the most recent fleet upgrade was occurring, a new interface was designed within the helicopter to ensure that the isolette, including the infant and their medical team, would be safe and secure for transport.”

STARS then sought and received approval from Transport Canada to use it on missions, and worked closely with NICU teams to get them time and experience in the helicopters during practice missions.

In addition to MacMillan, the mission in December featured flight crew members Mike Rogers and Greg Chorney, along with the NICU specialty team from the Regina General Hospital. Dr. Tom Elliot and Colleen McGeough implemented the special helicopter configuration required to transport the isolette safely.

“STARS is always looking for new ways to provide the highest level of care to our youngest patients,” Katherine Emberly, the organization’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

“When a joyous moment, like the birth of a child, takes a scary turn, families across the prairies can rest assured that a team of STARS critical care specialists are on their way with the best equipment possible.”