MedicAir Pilot Project

gets off the ground thanks to donation

The Rotary Rescue Project was unveiled Thursday June 7, 2007.  The helicopter is part of a one year pilot project funded by public donations and municipal grants totaling $750,000.00.

Gerald Gaede, president of the MedicAir Society said this project wouldn’t be possible without the public, and it won’t continue if the public doesn’t maintain its support.

It will cost $750,000.00 per year to keep the helicopter in the air, and the government funding isn’t available. 

With Palliser Health Region’s vast and rough terrain, the helicopter will prove an asset for southeastern Alberta.

The helicopter will be dispatched through Medicine Hat’s 9-1-1 Communications Centre for any emergencies more than 30 minutes out of the city and flown to the nearest care centre in Brooks, Oyen or Medicine Hat.  

Cypress County donated $75,000.00 to help fund this project for the first year.  Presenting the cheque from Cypress County  is George Russill, Deputy Reeve(left) and Gerald Gaede, President of the MedicAir Society.