STARS Emergency Link Centre
The STARS Emergency Link Centre (ELC) is our 24-hour emergency medical communications centre.
STARS Virtual Care
STARS medical teams are trialing live video consults for critical care patients, an innovation that is furthering our ability to provide critical care, anywhere.
Taking place in Alberta and Saskatchewan bases on a trial basis, the STARS Emergency Link Centre team is using live video feeds, from any mobile device, connecting medical teams “to the bedside” virtually through the STARS Virtual Care program.
We can offer a faster, more efficient understanding of the patient’s condition and need for transport. It’s greatly extending our support to rural patients and colleagues.
The tool being used for the trial is the internationally proven GoodSAM web-based video platform. Through the platform we are able to bring together our air medical crews (AMC) and transport physicians (TP) with pre-hospital providers, rural physicians, and specialist consultants.
A simple text-message link turns a mobile device (works on both iPhone and Android) into a secure webcam, transmitting live video about an ill or injured patient to a receiving transport physician.
Access the user guide
If you are a user of STARS Virtual Care, or would like to understand better how the process works, access our user documentation below.
Frequently asked questions
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Is the patient’s privacy protected?
Patient privacy is paramount and the GoodSAM app ensures secure transmission of all video content.
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In which provinces is STARS Virtual Care available?
We are currently trialing STARS Virtual Care from our Alberta bases, which service all of Alberta as well as three southeast BC locations (Fernie, Cranbrook and Golden), and our Saskatchewan bases. We anticipate rolling it out in Manitoba in the future.
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Why was the GoodSAM app chosen for the trial?
The GoodSAM app is a proven technology and was selected based on its reliability, features, security and IT support.
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Is there a cost to access STARS Virtual Care?
STARS does not charge to access this service.
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Can I choose which transport physician I connect with?
You will be connected to the first available on-call transport physician.
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Do I need to download an app to use GoodSAM?
No app is needed, you will receive a link directly from the STARS ELC, and you simply click the link to start the video consult.
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Is STARS Virtual Care available for patients not being transported by STARS?
STARS Virtual Care is intended for critical patients requiring transport, even if STARS does not transport them. Rural physicians are welcome to initiate a video consult through the STARS Emergency Link Centre and access transport physician knowledge at any time.
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Why would someone initiate a STARS Virtual Care consult?
Better transport decision making. Being able to see the patient provides critical information to transport physicians and air medical crews. It helps them ensure patients are allocated the best transport team and modality. The transport phase of a patient’s care journey can be the most hazardous aspect, and having access to more information is invaluable. As the adage goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words” and video consultation will not only help us know which patients need our help, but also determine which patients can be transported safely by other means when system resources are limited.
Remote critical care medical support. It may not be an option to transport a critically ill patient; STARS Virtual Care consults provide advice to local medical professionals in a way that is more interactive and supportive of patient care.
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Who can I contact for more information about this program?
Please email videoconsults@stars.ca for further questions.