PotashCorp has announced a commitment to the people and communities of Saskatchewan: a multimillion-dollar, multi-year plan to help bring helicopter air ambulance service to the province. While details of the commitment are being finalized, it will help support the availability of a state-of-the-art emergency medical services helicopter and the construction of a new hangar to house the aircraft from its base of operations in Saskatoon, with estimated values of $27 million.

“We believe people who are critically ill or injured should have access to the best care – whether they live in a city or a small community,” says PotashCorp President and CEO Bill Doyle, who announced the contribution to a crowd of community leaders and dignitaries that included Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.

The investment for the people of Saskatchewan – the company’s largest – is part of PotashCorp’s one percent corporate giving goal. It also reflects two of the company’s most important values, according to Doyle.

“Safety and improving the quality of life where we live and work are high priorities for us,” explains Doyle. “We have a culture of caring – this is another way we can show we care about the people of our home province.”

The commitment follows the signing of a new agreement between the province and STARS – or Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society – to establish a helicopter air ambulance program in Saskatchewan. PotashCorp’s investment will eventually make it possible for helicopters to reach more than 375 kilometres from the Saskatoon-based hangar into northern and southern Saskatchewan, providing service to about 90 percent of the province’s population. By complementing existing fixed-wing air ambulance craft, helicopters will allow rescue workers to respond to emergencies in rural, remote and First Nations communities and isolated work sites.

“The helicopters are like a flying emergency room and ICU,” explains Dr. Greg Powell, President & CEO of STARS, who notes that the helicopters serve patients whose outcomes depend on rapid, specialized care and transport. “This need is very real for the remote workforce, including employees and their families who require access to the care available through Helicopter EMS.”

“We have deep roots within the province, and we know healthcare is a priority for all Saskatchewan people,” says Doyle. “We make investments like this in keeping with a commitment we made many years ago to make our communities stronger, healthier and more attractive places to live, work and raise a family.”