Our mission is simple but life-changing: To provide 24/7 helicopter emergency medical services across Northeastern Alberta, ensuring that where you live, or where you work, never determines whether help can reach you in time.

Who We Are

The Local Helicopter Emergency Response Organization (Local HERO) Foundation operates the region’s only dedicated helicopter medevac program.  HERO1, our twin-engine Airbus H135, is flown by two highly trained medevac pilots and carries two advanced care paramedics from Fort McMurray Fire Department.  This means patient treatment as scene and on transfer to a higher level of care.  Fully medically equipped, HERO1 can launch day or night, 24/7/365, thanks to Night Vision Goggles and a specialized crew.

With a range of nearly 400 miles, HERO1 responds to patients experiencing critical illness or serious injury, many of whom are located in remote or inaccessible areas where ground ambulances cannot safely or quickly reach.  Often for these patients, time is the difference between life recovered and life lost.

Why This Matters

Northeastern Alberta is vast and rugged; the home to rural communities, remote work camps, and the heart of Canada’s oilsands industry. Thousands of people commute or work in isolated locations 24/7/365.  When something goes wrong, they depend on Local HERO to bring emergency care to them.

This isn’t just a regional issue. It’s a national concern, because the people who drive Canada’s energy economy are from all corners of our country and deserve the same immediate access to life-saving care as those living and working next to a major hospital.

Our service ensures:

• Rural communities are not left behind.

• Workers far from help are never alone.

• Recreational users in Alberta’s backcountry can explore safely.

• Families traveling our highways have peace of mind knowing HERO1 is always ready to lift off.

Impact That Matters - Because Patients Are the Heart of Our Mission

Every mission we fly is someone’s worst moment: a father in cardiac arrest, a child hurt on a remote trail, a worker crushed in an industrial accident, a grandmother suffering a stroke miles from care.

HERO1 brings swift medical support directly to the patient, dramatically improving survival and recovery.  Since 2013, we have completed over 700 missions, and not one patient has ever received a bill.

How We Are Funded

Local HERO receives partial support from the Province of Alberta and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. But almost half of our operating budget depends on donations, sponsorships, and fundraising.

Operating a 24/7 helicopter emergency medical service is expensive, fuel, pilots, maintenance, training, and replacement parts (priced in U.S. dollars) all add up quickly.

But lives saved are priceless, and thanks to donors like you:

• HERO1 remains ready every minute of every day.

• There is never a charge to a patient.

• We continue training with regional emergency services, industrial partners, and vital heart-response teams to strengthen outcomes.

• The service continues to reach the people who need it most, wherever they are.

Your Support Saves Lives

When you donate to the Local HERO Foundation, you are not giving to a helicopter, you are giving someone their second chance.

You are giving:

• A worker the chance to go home to their family.

• A community member the care they deserve.

• Rural residents equitable access to emergency medicine.

• Paramedics and pilots the tools they need to save lives safely.

Your generosity keeps HERO1 in flight.  Your kindness keeps families whole. Your belief keeps our community safe.

Want to See Your Impact?

Visit our Moments of Impact video series to hear real patient stories and see what your support makes possible: HERO In Flight – localherofoundation.com