Life-threatening illnesses and injuries can happen at the worst times and in the most challenging places. STARS crews provide pre-hospital critical care anywhere — whether it's on a mountaintop, in a ditch, in the back of our helicopter, or through virtual online connection. Thousands of people every year rely on STARS for advanced critical care and direct transport to hospital. Join us for Mission Ready, a STARS podcast as we hear from the people and patients involved in these harrowing emergencies.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Megan McElheran and former paramedic Ryan Collyer discuss the science and data showing the importance of mental health for emergency responders in this interview episode.
21 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Processing Trauma
This episode likely explores the topic of trauma processing, but lacks specific details about the discussion.
14 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Recovery and Reunion
7 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Draidyn's Story
Draidyn recounts his near-death experience and rescue, highlighting the collaborative efforts of community members, firefighters, police, first responders, and STARS crew members.
5 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
RE-RELEASE: STARS Origins
STARS founder Dr. Greg Powell's legacy in Western Canada's pre-hospital trauma care is remembered as the episode reflects on the launch and growth of the organization in 1985.
30 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
Transfer of Care
STARS flight paramedic recounts the critical care provided to Draidyn Wollmann after a lawnmower accident and the transfer of care to hospital staff in this interview episode.
23 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
STARS on Scene
STARS crew members recount their harrowing experience responding to a severe lawnmower accident, highlighting the critical role of rapid blood transfusions and advanced medical interventions in saving Draidyn Wollmann's life.
16 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
First Response
Emergency responders and STARS transport physician Dr. Unknown face challenges removing an industrial mower from young Draidyn Wollmann, who has life-threatening injuries, in this episode.
16 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
Trapped Under a Lawnmower
Draidyn Wollmann recounts his harrowing experience of becoming trapped beneath an industrial lawnmower during his summer job, highlighting the importance of workplace safety and quick response.
9 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
TRAILER: Mission Ready, Season 2
This episode previews season two of the "Mission Ready" podcast, highlighting a dramatic rescue scenario involving a teenage boy trapped under a lawnmower.
30 Jun 2022
BONUS: The perfect soundtrack
Kaiya Gamble discusses creating the theme music for Mission Ready's first season, driven by her desire to give back to STARS, showcasing the power of young talent and gratitude.
19 Apr 2022
BONUS: STARS Origins
Dr. Greg Powell recounts the founding and evolution of STARS, highlighting its transformative impact on prehospital care in Western Canada in this interview.
12 Apr 2022
After the mission
Marcia recounts her arduous recovery following a traumatic attack, detailing her unique coping mechanisms and the emotional significance of returning to the attack site.
5 Apr 2022
Who helps the helpers?
This episode explores how frontline staff cope with witnessing horrific tragedies, focusing on mental health and wellness support for those who help others, in an interview.
29 Mar 2022
Bedside manner
Marla Tabler recounts Marcia's extensive hospital care following a cougar attack, detailing the medical interventions and support received from medical staff.
22 Mar 2022
Skids up to Nose Mountain
STARS air medical crew members navigate a complex mountain rescue to treat a cougar attack victim, highlighting the challenges of emergency response in remote locations.
15 Mar 2022
Mission accepted
A STARS pilot recounts a critical mission to transport frontline health-care workers, revealing the complex decision-making process between pilots and emergency communications specialists in this interview.
8 Mar 2022
Mauling on a mountaintop
Government biologist Marcia Birkigt recounts her harrowing experience of being mauled by a cougar in the remote wilderness, detailing the challenges of rescue efforts amid electrical storms in this interview.
1 Mar 2022
TRAILER: Mission Ready, Season 1
This trailer introduces a harrowing wilderness rescue where individuals unite to save a woman attacked by a cougar, highlighting the power of collective action.
Inside a recent episode
BONUS: Mental Heath and Emergency Responders
Published 28 May 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] So, you know, if I'm being chased through the woods by a bear, right? I need to be able to get away from that bear. And during the time I'm running, there's whole parts of my system that have shut down, right? I'm not thinking about, you know, evaluating my running speed or, you know, the physics that are involved in what I'm trying to do. I'm literally just focused on getting out of there and my physiology is giving me all the blood and oxygen and everything I need to do that. So, I get away from the bear, right? Well, then there's this whole balancing act that goes on to kick things back into gear, right? […]
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