Mike Lamacchia,
leadership legacy

In May 1992, STARS welcomed a new member to the team: flight paramedic Mike Lamacchia.

For Mike, joining STARS was a memorable milestone. The opportunity to fly in a helicopter and provide critical care marked an exciting beginning to his journey with the organization.

“I thought at the time that I won the lottery,” he said. “It was really exciting.”

Mike served as a part-time flight paramedic for several years, gaining experience and contributing to many missions. In 1999, he was presented with a unique opportunity that would shape the future of STARS’ training and education programs. Mike was asked to lead the development of a human patient simulator program, designed to bring advanced training to rural medical practitioners. Embracing the challenge, he transitioned to a full-time role and began working on this innovative project.

Mike flew as a paramedic for 20 years, completing more than 500 missions. His firsthand experience on the frontline informed his understanding of the crew’s needs and the importance of continued support through new equipment, training, and safety measures. As STARS expanded into Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Mike took on various leadership roles, contributing to the organization’s mission and impact.

In 2019, he became STARS’ Chief Operating Officer, Provincial Operations, overseeing operations across the organization. His journey from a part-time paramedic to a key leader within STARS is a testament to his dedication and passion for the mission. Mike’s experience and leadership continue to drive STARS forward and shape the future of critical care.

“That’s why I’ve stayed here this long — the connection to the patients we serve and what we’re doing for communities.”

Mike, Chief Operating Officer, Provincial Operations

Photo of STARS Academy recruits training with a human patient simulator.

STARS Mobile Education Program - The first human patient simulator program of it's kind

The human patient simulator program became a central part of STARS’ education. Initially focused on rural Alberta, it provided essential training for rural medical practitioners, nurses, paramedics, and physicians. The program’s success led to its integration into the training curriculum for STARS’ air medical crew. Today, patient simulation remains a key component of STARS’ training programs, and enables our air medical crew to enhance their critical care skills with real-world scenarios in a controlled, safe environment.

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