Local HERO Helicopter. Supplied media
FORT McMURRAY — Cenovus Energy is contributing an additional $300,000 over two years to support the Local HERO Foundation and the region’s only dedicated helicopter emergency medical service.
The funding renews and expands Cenovus’ support of the program after a previous three-year commitment of $450,000 from 2023 through 2025.
Local HERO operates HERO1, a 24-hour helicopter emergency medical service serving communities, industrial sites, highways and remote areas throughout northeastern Alberta. The service is staffed by two medevac pilots and two Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo paramedics and is equipped for night-vision operations year-round.
The helicopter provides emergency medical access across a service area roughly the size of Nova Scotia, helping reach patients in locations where ground transportation can face significant delays.
Since launching in 2013, HERO1 has completed more than 700 missions. The foundation says no patient has ever been billed for the service.
The Local HERO Foundation said the renewed funding will help ensure the aircraft remains available around the clock to respond to medical emergencies across the region. Cenovus said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to safety and emergency preparedness in Wood Buffalo.
The Local HERO Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and operates the only dedicated helicopter emergency medical service in northeastern Alberta.
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