Your Support Saves Lives

"Thank You, STARS!"

         Josh Bhikoo, 32
         STARS Very Important Patient (VIP)

Nobody expects to have a heart attack at the age of 31, especially when they are healthy and active. Josh Bhikoo had a hard time believing it when he regained consciousness at the Drumheller Hospital while a team of medical professionals stood over him.

It was September 28, 2011 when Josh first went to the hospital suffering from chest pain and was diagnosed with pneumonia. He went back to the hospital later that day, where he collapsed. A decision was made to call STARS to transport him to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. Josh later learned that decision likely helped save his life. "The medical staff told me 20 minutes was the difference in life or death for me," says Josh.

Josh was on life support for the next nine days and awoke on the 10th day. His recovery from that point was fairly seamless as he slowly began increased physical activity.

Upon arriving back home in Drumheller, Josh soon witnessed the STARS helicopter on another mission and decided to get involved. He says it's the least he can do. "Everyone knows somebody touched by STARS," he says. "For me, they were there when I needed them."