The STARS Air Ambulance has temporarily relocated one of its emergency medical helicopters to western Manitoba after severe flooding forced the closure of Dauphin Regional Health Centre, ensuring critical air ambulance services remain available for affected communities.
The decision comes as floodwaters disrupted operations at the Dauphin hospital, prompting health authorities to suspend services while emergency crews assess the facility and work to restore normal operations. Patients requiring urgent medical care have been redirected to nearby healthcare facilities.
STARS said the temporary relocation is intended to maintain rapid emergency response capabilities across western Manitoba during the flooding crisis. Positioning the helicopter closer to affected areas is expected to reduce response times for patients in need of critical care transport.
Provincial emergency officials continue monitoring flood conditions as rising water levels affect transportation routes, healthcare infrastructure, and nearby communities. Authorities have urged residents to follow local advisories and avoid flooded roadways.
Healthcare officials are coordinating with emergency responders to ensure patients continue receiving essential medical services despite the temporary hospital closure. Additional resources have also been mobilized to support communities impacted by the flooding.
Flooding has affected several parts of Manitoba in recent weeks, with emergency management teams working to protect infrastructure, assist displaced residents, and minimize disruption to essential public services.
Officials have not indicated when Dauphin Regional Health Centre will fully reopen but stated that assessments and recovery efforts are ongoing. STARS confirmed the helicopter will remain in western Manitoba until normal healthcare operations can safely resume.
The temporary deployment highlights the vital role of air ambulance services in providing emergency medical care during natural disasters, particularly when hospitals or transportation networks become inaccessible.
Swifteradio.com