Pedestrian struck by truck in front of Post Office in Pincher Creek (update #2)

Toni Lucas

A pickup truck collided with a male pedestrian in front of the Pincher Creek Post Office at approximately 10:30 am today, October 20. It was reported that the male was under the vehicle before Pincher Creek Emergency Services came on scene, but the male was out from under the vehicle when emergency crews arrived. The person was taken to the hospital with undetermined injuries. Pincher Rescue, Command, Ambulance, and RCMP responded to the incident.

"Basically, we had a southbound truck headed on East Avenue just leaving the Post Office," explained Pincher Creek RCMP Cst. Chris Allnutt. According to Cst. Allnutt it appears the truck stopped for a pedestrian and failed to see a second pedestrian before heading forward, striking the second pedestrian and dragging him for a short distance before coming to a stop. The man's injuries were reported to be quite severe but it is possible the victim may be cleared from the hospital today.

"It's actually noteworthy that the Beaver Mines Fire Chief (Allen Tapay) may have saved this guy," added Cst. Allnutt. "He was coincidentally there and was able to start the CPR and help the injured victim. He was there, and ready. He deserves some credit, I think."

Update #2: Interview with Captain Allen Tapay

Captain Allen Tapay is an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) in charge of Beaver Mines Fire Station which operates under Pincher Creek Emergency Service.  Beaver Mines, Cowley and Lundbreck have volunteer fire services.

Beaver Mines Fire Captain Allen Tapay was getting into his vehicle after collecting his mail when he and his wife heard a woman scream. "A fellow just was struck in the crosswalk, two cars down," Tapay said. He quickly discovered the man was pinned under the truck bumper, his face up against the tire. Tapay phoned for help, and assessed the situation. "He wasn't breathing.  I thought of waiting for Rescue to lift it off of him, but when I saw he wasn't breathing, I decided 'life over limb'."

The driver was instructed to put his vehicle in reverse, and back off of the man, so Tapay could then start CPR.  "I resuscitated him just before the ambulance showed up."

"I would say he was down three or four minutes before I got him going.  They probably could have resuscitated him without me, but I had him going before they showed up."

"It's really nice that the fellow is alive and I am happy that I was there and able to do something for him.  Too often we get to a scene, and it's too late to help somebody.  I don't know if this guy is out of the woods yet.  I just happened to be at the right place, or maybe the wrong place, at the right time, depending on how you look at it."

"I would really like to say it was not so much me, as the training I have received through the Pincher Creek Fire and EMS, may be the reason that this guy is alive.  Without the training that they have taught me over the years, I wouldn't know what to do."

"I really hope more people would consider joining the Fire Department."

"Definitely take first aid, and CPR training.  As a bystander, it only takes the once."

"This was the first in a lifetime for me, and I have come on traffic accidents before.  I have been a fireman for 13 years, going on 14 here right away, so I have been to a few scenes. It's really the training that makes a difference."  Tapay said it is because he has taken training in farm vehicle extraction that he knew to ask "Are you in the right state of mind to put it in reverse and back up?"

PCES Chief Dave Cox presents Beaver Mines Fire Chief Allen Tapay (right) with 12 year Service Award in 2013
C. Davis file photo