A Halkirk man is in critical but stable condition after a rollover northeast of Highway 850.
RCMP were called out to a rural residence in the area with a complaint of a suspicious person, who turned out to be a 19-year-old woman, who had been the passenger of the vehicle. She had left the vehicle and come looking for help.
According to police, the woman told the residents of the home that she couldn’t find the driver, a 20-year-old man.
The caller’s husband had gone out and found the vehicle upside-down in a field. He searched the area and found the man outside of the vehicle a distance away.
RCMP, Stettler EMS and Stettler Regional Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene, where the driver was found to be critically injured. Taken by ambulance to Stettler Hospital, the driver was then flown to University of Alberta hospital in Edmonton by STARS.
The woman, who had been wearing her seatbelt, only suffered minor injuries and was treated and released. The man was not wearing his seatbelt and ejected, causing the grievous injuries.
The driver of the vehicle was stabilized at the hospital in Edmonton and has since regained consciousness, according to Stettler RCMP detachment commander, Sgt. Duncan Babchuk.
The incident is still under investigation, he noted, but it appears alcohol and excessive speed may be involved.
Victim Services seeks volunteers, hosts open house
If you are interested in giving back to your community in meaningful ways, volunteering with the Stettler RCMP Victim Services Unit (VSU) may be just what you’re looking for. To find out more about the rich experiences awaiting those with a knack for caring, join RCMP, VSU staff and advocates at an open house and volunteer information night on Tuesday, October 28 from 7-9 p.m. at the Stettler Recreation Centre.
“Volunteering in this area takes a special kind of person because it involves offering support to fellow Stettler and area residents who have been the victims of crime or tragic events,” Pat Hamilton, program manager for Stettler VSU, said in a press release. “It’s ideal work for those who want to know, every day, that what they’re doing is making a difference in the lives of others.”
VSU advocates are individuals who have been screened for suitability, obtained a RCMP enhanced security clearance and have received specialized training in order to help people after a crime or traumatic event.
Volunteers may assist with next-of-kin notifications, provide information on government forms such as victim impact statements, restitution and financial benefits and offer guidance, support and community referrals for victims as they navigate the criminal justice system.
To volunteer with VSU, people must be 18 years of age or older, a Canadian resident or Landed Immigrant and complete the Alberta Solicitor General online training course.
“VSU Advocates offer professional, compassionate and confidential services to victims and work closely with the Stettler RCMP,” Hamilton said. “Advocates provide an essential service.”
The VSU open house and information night will offer the opportunity for attendees to learn about the training requirements and timeline, ask questions of RCMP and current advocates and find out if this special role is a fit for their skills. For individuals who are interested in VSU but don’t feel they can make the commitment to be an advocate, board members who are responsible for governance of the VSU are also required.
Coffee, juice and snacks will be provided.
For more information, phone Hamilton at 403-741-7841.