Photo credit: STARS

A spokesperson for STARS says they too are not immune to the pandemic overtaking our world.

In light of COVID-19, STARS crew members look a little different these days in Manitoba. Grant Therrien is Provincial Director for Manitoba Operations. Therrien says so far the virus has not drastically impacted them on the front line. But, that could all change if and when Manitoba's numbers begin to jump dramatically. And yet, Therrien says they want to ensure their staff are safe and protected while at work.

He notes, at the moment, between missions, they are doing training while wearing personal protective equipment. 

"We are just trying to get our staff more accustom to what it feels like to have all that extra personal protection on when you are doing critical skills or intervention," shares Therrien.

However, he stresses this protective equipment is not something new.

"We've always had the personal protective equipment," he says. "But it's certainly something we are going to be using more in the coming days in an effort to ensure we're protected."

Therrien says they are still wearing their blue flight suits and white helmets. However, the added protection includes yellow gowns, N95 masks, gloves and goggles. If they are at a bedside, he says they may be wearing a facial shield.

"If you are watching a crew load a patient into the helicopter, they will definitely look a little bit different, but it's just the same crew, they are just wearing that enhanced level of protection," he adds.

Therrien stresses that it definitely poses a challenge to be dealing with patients who could potentially be carrying the virus. 

"It's one of the risks of the business we are in," he says. "We are being asked to respond to unpredictable scenes."

He notes their crew is also screening patients and asking those questions. Therrien notes from the time the 911 call is made, those questions are being asked to start the screening process early. Responders are then given a warning as to what to expect. 

"That's definitely a change now during this pandemic that we are trying to adapt to," he adds.

Meanwhile, Therrien says there seems to be a recent drop in the number of motor vehicle collisions that STARS is being called to in Manitoba. Though it could be proof that there are fewer Manitobans on the road these days because of all the restrictions in place from COVID-19, there are also other factors that could be causing this.

"We are okay with that because we know that there is a chance if the virus spreads, there is a chance that our number of calls for COVID-19-like calls will rise," he adds.

Therrien says right now their message to Manitobans is the same as what other health officials are saying, which is to stay home and prevent the spread.

Photo credit: STARS