PotashCorp CEO Jochen Tilk, Premier Brad Wall and STARS CEO Andrea Robertson

"It's given patients hope in Saskatchewan." Those simple words helped to launch a brand new air ambulance for STARS in our province. The AW139 is worth $16 million dollars with the chopper itself ringing in at $14 million with another $2 million needed to covered the aircraft into an ambulance.

PotashCorp was the hero of the day, donating $27 million dollars to cover the new helicopter and the Saskatoon base of operations for STARS, the largest gift in the organizations history.

Premier Brad Wall and PotashCorp CEO Jochen Tilk went up Thursday for the first flight and Tilk was very impressed with the new piece of live saving equipment.

"It was quite the experience." said Tilk. "We experienced a little bit about what would happen in an emergency and it's worth every penny and we're so glad to be a part of that. It's going to be so great for the province."

When seconds can mean the difference between life and death, this new helicopter ambulance will save lives in Saskatchewan. It's bigger, giving more room for the medical team, faster, allowing for better response times and it carries more fuel, allowing a larger area of the province to be covered.

"I would honestly hope that they would never need it. That would be my preference but if they do or anybody in the province, I'm sure they'll get the best care."

For more on the new helicopter, including photos and a video of the flight, check out the DiscoverMooseJaw.com Facebook page.