A recent visit to the STARS Air Ambulance base gave members of the Tache Fire Department a closer look at the life-saving work happening behind the scenes. Building stronger partnerships through training Deputy Fire Chief Jason Kroeker says the department makes a point of training with outside agencies each year to improve coordination during emergencies. Thanks to his existing connections, the department had the opportunity to go directly to the STARS Air Ambulance base in Winnipeg. “STARS does an incredible job travelling around and visiting the fire departments in their own stations in their areas, but with this one here, this just takes it a step further and we actually get to go and work with the helicopter or work with the people,” he says. Related Stories: Be part of the next rescue: STARS radiothon returns next week Local businesses helping fuel STARS support ahead of annual radiothon “The Sky’s the Limit”: STARS crew reflect on women leading in critical care this International Women’s Day Learning beyond traditional training Kroeker explains that the experience offered far more than traditional training. “We get to have a little bit more connection and we talk with the pilots and the flight crew working there. We get more real life than we could just in the classroom in our own department.” In addition to conversations, crews were able to sit inside the helicopter and get hands-on experience with the stretcher and onboard equipment. While interactions with STARS typically happen in high-pressure, life-or-death situations, this visit allowed for a deeper understanding of how both teams operate together. “We actually get to see everything up close, inside the helicopter, and how incredibly small the space that they're working is with the patients. Between the pilots up front, the flight nurse, paramedic and potentially doctor in the back, it is a very tight working environment that they're having to work with.” Kroeker says that although there are no issues working together on scene, opportunities like this improve communication and teamwork. Unique experience leaves lasting impact He notes that the experience was well received by the crew. “It’s a bit of a unique opportunity that not everybody is able to sit down in the helicopter and see what it's about and chat with the crews there. So, they appreciated it.” While firefighters are already trained in setting up landing zones, maintaining safe distances, and understanding equipment needs, Kroeker says seeing the helicopter environment firsthand was especially valuable. “They gave us a little bit more in depth on what the helicopter is about, how it operates, and some of the training they do. One of the things that stood out for me a little bit more is some of the automation that the pilots are working with and even just seeing that the area that they're working on. How computerized and automated it is compared to a very old school type of helicopter back when I've been on other helicopter flights in the past.” @steinbach_online #STARSCareOnTheAir is happening next week! 🚁 Follow along right here and on #SteinbachOnline ♬ original sound - SteinbachOnline Recognizing the value of STARS Kroeker says STARS crews across Manitoba and beyond provide an essential service under challenging conditions. “They're working with the sickest and most injured patients out there, and they provide an incredibly valuable service arriving on scene and transporting patients in the worst situations.” With the EMS system facing ongoing strain, he emphasizes the importance of STARS in the region. “STARS is a huge asset to be able to arrive on scene very quickly and transport the patients that need it most directly to the facilities that they need to get to the quickest. They're the one of within Manitoba outside of the standard EMS system, so it's valuable to keep them supported and well-funded to keep them operating.” You can support STARS Air Ambulance by tuning into the Critical Care on the Air Radiothon, presented by BHP and Parrish & Heimbecker, on April 7 and 8. Stream MIX 96, Country 107, or AM1250 to hear powerful stories from patients and crew members involved in life-saving rescues. Learn more about the radiothon on the landing page at SteinbachOnline.com.