The STARS air ambulance service has taken flight in southern Saskatchewan.
Health Minister Don McMorris boarded the bright red helicopter for a final practice flight around Regina before the official launch of the service Monday at noon.
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society helicopter is equipped to rapidly transport one critically injured patient or two people with non-critical injuries.
STARS has 20 pilots, paramedics and flight nurses based at the Regina airport. The base will initially provide daily service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to prepare staff for 24-hour operations later this summer.
The first STARS air ambulance took to the skies in Alberta more than two decades ago. Since then, the organization has flown more than 22,000 missions.
A second helicopter based in Saskatoon is slated to begin service this fall.
