A Manitoba MLA Kelvin Goertzen says he believes an announcement this week concerning STARS air ambulance, will, in fact, save lives.

The Health Minister announced that STARS is now fully operational in terms of providing blood transfusions both in the air and at the scene of an incident. Goertzen says Manitoba now joins other air ambulances across the country in being able to provide this service.

"That's important," says Goertzen. "Often individuals need blood because they've been in a traumatic situation."

"In some cases, I believe that will be life saving," he says. "I think there's no question that in some cases it will save lives."

According to Goertzen, the medical system has been pushing for this.

"They want to ensure that we can tie in with diagnostic services, we can tie in with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority," he says. "And try to break down some of the barriers that exist to allow STARS to be able to transport and store blood is something that historically hasn't been done in the province and there's always some resistance whenever there is change."

Goertzen says those within the health care system realize this is a good way to integrate services and if STARS is already transporting a patient from a critical scene, it makes sense to allow for blood transfusion, especially those who are appropriately trained.

The Health Minister says STARS has evolved over the years and with flight numbers on the rise, allowing blood transfusions seems to be the next logical step.