Rise Air, La Ronge EMS celebrate 30 years of medivac services

“We do this because we have a commitment to providing services in Northern Saskatchewan, for the people of Northern Saskatchewan, but we don’t do it alone. There is an entire network of people who support us, including people at the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Ministry of Highways who work to keep the runways open so we can land there, and all the staff at all the medical clinics in all the communities who work to make sure those patients can be delivered to the aircraft, and in some cases, who come out in the middle of the night to setup lights on the runways so we can land.”

Over the last 30 years, Rise Air has transported more than 30,000 patients, including 1,600 in 2025 alone. Nice noted many of those patients wouldn’t be alive today without the essential service the airline and La Ronge EMS provides.

“We feel we are dedicated, but we can’t forget the people who support us as well who are just as dedicated to providing support that is needed here in Northern Saskatchewan,” he said.

A $42,000 donation was made to assist in purchasing furnishings for the new long-term care facility in La Ronge. (Image Credit: Submitted photo/Dan Gold)

Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Buckley Belanger and Saskatchewan MLA Jamie Martens were both in attendance to deliver remarks. Martens said 30 years is an impressive milestone, adding it is important to celebrate everyone who has made it possible.

“For someone living in Saskatchewan who needs specialized treatment in Prince Albert, Saskatoon or Regina, geography should not prevent any of them from receiving that care. That is why medivac services are so important and we know that it connects people to care, and in many cases, it does that in times when it matters most,” she said.

Belanger had similar remarks, stating medivac services are essential in Northern Saskatchewan.

“For 30 years, Rise Air’s medivac services has been a lifeline for Northern Saskatchewan. We see evidence of that in Île-à-la-Crosse, my home community,” he said.

“When someone in a remote community is sick or injured, or needs specialized care in Saskatoon as indicated, distance cannot be allowed to stand in the way. That’s where you folks all come in and that takes a whole team.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

Rise Air, La Ronge EMS celebrate 30 years of medivac services

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