The numbers of calls made to STARS Air Ambulance throughout the month of January rose slightly compared to previous months. A total of thirty five calls were made from Manitoba, ten of which were from the south central region. That is only two more than they received from this region in December, However the number of motor vehicle collisions has dropped dramatically but Flight Paramedic and Clinical Operations Manager for STARS Ray Rempel said snowmobile accidents have proven more common in the last month.

"Just the other day when we were flying out to Boundary Trails, I looked down from the helicopter and was surprised to see how much dirt was exposed considering our significant snowfall this season," said Rempel.

Rempel continued by saying that the calls for snowmobile accidents they are receiving have all been to areas that are ungroomed and suggested for the month of January a safety reminder to know the area you are driving your snow machine in, and try to avoid un groomed areas.

Manitoba's first hospital-based roof-top helipad became officially operational Monday, November 28, 2016 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. The helipad sits on the roof of the new, 91,000-square-foot Diagnostic Centre of Excellence, located between paediatric inpatient units of HSC Children's Hospital and the Ann Thomas Building, which houses critical care services, including intensive care units, operating theatres, and emergency departments.

Rempel explained that the new helipad has literally been a life saver.

"I've had the privilege to use the new helipad several times, such a game changer being able to fly people from communities like Steinbach, Altona, Morris and so on. Getting them to specialized medical care at the trauma centre within twenty minutes has saved lives, and it's also exciting to have that extra added infrastructure to deliver care that people in those regions need," said Rempel.

With the wet fall and predicted wet spring and potential provincial flood forecast Rempel says Stars is ready to help if needed.

"It is starting to be a topic here, and the key about helicopters is we are not limited to the way the roads are and can do all kinds on unique landing situations like stepping off onto roof tops, exposed land, docks or whatever it maybe. Certainly in terms of flood preparations we are trained and ready for that," explained Rempel

Rempel continued by saying if there are significant roads closures causing delays from ground ambulances they will for sure fill in