The oldest non-military air medical transport program in North America is celebrating a major milestone this week.
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Saskatchewan Air Ambulance marked its 80th anniversary on May 1, celebrating eight decades of emergency medical care and provincial transport.
Founded in 1946, the service completed its inaugural flight from Regina to Liberty, Sask. Since then, it has transported approximately 78,500 patients.
“For 80 years, Saskatchewan Air Ambulance has been a vital part of our province’s emergency care system,” said Derek Miller, chief operating officer of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. “This anniversary is a powerful reminder of the countless lives that have been touched and saved.”
Operating out of its base at the Saskatoon airport, the SAA currently manages about 1,500 patient transfers annually. Four fully equipped medical aircraft provide 24-hour coverage year-round, supported by a specialized team of pilots and engineers.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement and the Ministry of Health jointly manage the program.
Health minister Jeremy Cockrill said the service remains a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to rural and remote healthcare.
“Investments in these services delivers on our government’s commitment to putting patients first and ensuring the right care is available in the right place at the right time,” Cockrill said.
Critical care flight nurses and paramedics staff each flight. These highly skilled air medical crews provide specialized care while transporting patients to major medical centres.
Celebrations for the anniversary were held at the SAA hangar in Saskatoon, where government officials and staff gathered to recognize the program’s history and its ongoing role in Saskatchewan’s healthcare infrastructure.
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