Alberta | One person treated by EMS after CFD responds to carbon monoxide call in NW Calgary
2600 block 34 Avenue NW | 19 Feb 2012
- Leave the house immediately.
- Call 9-1-1 or the local fire department from a neighbour’s house.
- Do not go back into the house until the fire department says it is safe to do so.
- Seek professional medical help; indicate that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
Alberta | Eighth Calgary death linked to PMMA
Calgary | 9 Feb 2012
Alberta | RCMP confirm one man dead – looking for another man wanted in connection with shooting of two RCMP officers in Killam
Killam | 9 Feb 2012
Early this morning, the “K” RCMP Division Emergency Response Team (ERT) entered the rural residence near Killam where a search warrant was executed yesterday. They found one adult male deceased inside the home, but have not yet confirmed his identity.
Sawyer Clarke Robison
Sawyer Clarke Robison, age 27, was reportedly seen leaving the same residence after four RCMP members from Killam Detachment arrived at the property yesterday afternoon. At this time, his whereabouts is unknown. He is described as being 188 cm in height, 91 kgs in weight, with brown hair and brown eyes. He is very fit in appearance. He may be driving a black, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado with Alberta license plate number UZE 545.
The RCMP now considers him to be a person of interest in the shootings of two RCMP members, and believe he could be armed and dangerous. This individual should be considered a high risk.
Members of the public should not approach him, and are asked to call the RCMP Tip Line at 1- 780-385-3502 or 911 immediately to report any sightings of him or the vehicle. Sgt WEBB of the RCMP stated that “It would be in Robison’s best interests to call the nearest RCMP Detachment as soon as possible to make arrangements to speak with the investigators.”
The “K” Division Emergency Response Team (ERT), with the assistance of Edmonton Police Service ERT, continues its search of the residences and outbuildings on the property.
The two RCMP members who were shot yesterday, Cst. Sheldon Shah and Cst. Sidney Gaudette, of the Killam Detachment have both undergone surgery and are recovering in hospital in Edmonton.
The RCMP continues to deploy ERT, Air Services, Serious Crimes Branch, and members from several adjacent detachments in this investigation. The “K” Division Major Crimes Unit is responsible for carriage of the criminal investigation resulting from this event.
This incident has been referred to the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), an independent agency mandated to investigate all incidents that involve serious injury or death that may have resulted from the actions of the police.
Alberta | RCMP seek public’s help in Slave Lake wildfire investigation
Slave Lake | 9 Feb 2012
The RCMP is seeking the public’s help in their investigation into the cause of the Slave Lake wildfire. Police would like to talk to at least six individuals who were on Highway 2 outside of Slave Lake late in the afternoon on May 14, 2011, the day before the wildfire entered the town.
Investigators believe these people may have information that could assist them. The RCMP emphasizes that they do not consider these individuals to be suspects in any criminal act.
The public is asked to call their local RCMP detachment or CrimeStoppers (1-800-222-TIPS) if they have information that might help identify the following individuals:
- two men observed driving ATVs, 15 kms east of Slave Lake on the north side of Highway 2 at about 4:30 p.m. on May 14, 2011. Both ATVs were described as Hondas, one red, and one yellow. One of the ATV’s had a weathered set of moose antlers attached to its front cargo rack.
- anyone associated with a green Dodge Neon parked on the side of Highway 2, but closer to the Town of Slave Lake, at about 4:30 p.m. on May 14, 2011. This could be the same individual who was observed at the same time near the car, standing in the ditch close to the tree line.
- anyone associated with an older (1999-2004) white Ford pick-up truck observed in the vicinity of the Flat Top Observation Tower, late in the afternoon of May 14, 2011. The truck is believed to be the same one that was observed farther east on Highway 2, later that day.
- two people, possibly one male and female, who flagged down members of the local Fire Department in order to alert them to the location of some burning brush east of the weigh scale on Highway 2. These individuals may have been in or near a white car.
Alberta | Edmonton Police issue warning about Ecstasy and PMMA after string of deaths in Calgary
Edmonton | 9 Feb 2012
The Edmonton Police Service is issuing a warning to the public about the dangers of Ecstasy and PMMA. Several recent deaths in Calgary and numerous serious health-related issues in Alberta are raising concerns relating to the ingestion of Ecstasy.
On Jan. 28, 2012, four non-fatal overdoses occurred at an Edmonton electronic music event that police believe may have been associated with Ecstasy and PMMA.
It’s known by users as the ultimate “love drug” but its exhilarating high comes with serious lows and consequences, says Det. Guy Pilon, a drug expert with the EPS Drug and Gang Section.
“Despite no confirmed cases of PMMA/Ecstasy overdoses in Edmonton, we are very concerned about people potentially dying. There is no guarantee that the tainted ecstasy won’t, or hasn’t already, arrived in our region,” says Det. Pilon, “You just never know what’s in the pills and any tablet can be contaminated at any time, and with anything. You are taking chances with your life.”
There were two serious ecstasy-related overdoses in April 2009. Two teen girls were taken to hospital, resulting in the death of one 14-year-old girl. Ecstasy was suspected in the death of a 19-year-old woman in Edmonton in May 2010 but the official cause of death could not be determined.
Paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA), a compound not previously associated with Ecstasy, has been consumed under the understanding that it is indeed ecstasy. This chemical is responsible for the sudden increase of deaths associated with the use of what is believed to be Ecstasy. A tablet containing just ecstasy and a tablet tainted with PMMA looks just the same, and it’s impossible to tell what percentage of any drug or chemical makes up the tablet(s).
“There is no control in the manufacturing of ecstasy nor will the person selling these pills know what the true content is. Even though users are obtaining Ecstasy from a perceived reliable dealer, the dealer may not be aware of the contents of the pills he/she is selling,” says Det. Pilon.
The EPS will be present at all upcoming rave or electronic music events through out the City of Edmonton monitoring activity.
“Several electronic music events and raves are taking place in Edmonton over the next two weeks, starting this evening. If you will be in attendance at these events and participate in any illegal activities, you may be charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking, or trafficking in a controlled substance,” says Det. Pilon.
The EPS is currently working on a public education campaign about ecstasy which it hopes to launch some time in May of this year.
Alberta | One person killed, one injured in RTC in Edmonton
23 Avenue, 98 Street, Edmonton | 2 Feb 2012
Just after 9 a.m. on Feb. 2, 2012, the EPS received a report of a collision at 23 Avenue and 98 Street.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a half-ton truck travelling eastbound on 23 Avenue struck a Ford sedan that was travelling westbound on 23 Avenue, attempting to make a left hand turn on 98 Street.
The truck struck the Ford sedan on the passenger side. The female passenger who was in her 80s was treated at the scene by EMS and transported to hospital, where she passed away.
The male driver of the Ford sedan, also in his 80s, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The truck driver did not report any injuries.
Traffic Section is investigating. No charges have been laid at this time. All roads have been re-opened following the on-site investigation.
Alberta | Plain language Household Emergency Action plan released in recognition of Family Literacy Day
Calgary | 27 Jan 2012
Alberta | New NICU space will provide more beds and increase access
Calgary | 26 Jan 2012
Up to 14 new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) beds will be added at the Alberta Children’s Hospital to help meet the growing needs for these services in Calgary and southern Alberta.
“While these new beds will improve care, reduce transfers and provide better access to specialists, the most important need they fulfill is allowing Alberta families to remain closer together during these critical times in a newborn’s life,” said Premier Alison Redford.
The additional beds, scheduled to open next year, will increase Level 3 NICU capacity by 56 per cent and will reduce the need for neonatal patients with complex conditions or who require surgeries to travel between hospitals in Calgary. Level 3 NICUs are acute care spaces designed to care for the sickest and most critically ill newborns. Using available space at the Alberta Children’s Hospital keeps NICU patients and their families close to pediatric specialists.
“These new beds are all about creating a stronger healthcare system to improve care for Alberta’s families,” said Dr. Chris Eagle, President and CEO, Alberta Health Services. “AHS remains committed to increasing capacity and access to healthcare, and we’re able to do that through the support of our community partners like the Edwards family, and the Alberta government.”
Local philanthropists, Heather and N. Murray Edwards generously donated $5 million, through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, to help enhance NICU services in Calgary, including this $8.5-million capital project. The new unit will be named the Edwards Family NICU. The project will incorporate the new beds in undeveloped space on the fourth floor of the Alberta Children’s Hospital, and will add patient care and clinical and family support spaces. Stantec Architecture Ltd. has been hired by the Alberta government to refine the layout of the unit and optimize the number and size of the rooms.
Currently, Level 3 NICU services exist at the Foothills Medical Centre. Both the Peter Lougheed Centre and Rockyview General Hospital have Level 2 NICU services.
Construction of the NICU is expected to begin this summer and scheduled to be completed late 2013.
Alberta | City of Edmonton helping evacuees of apartment fire on South side
Edmonton | 19 Jan 2012
The City of Edmonton is providing assistance to evacuees of an apartment fire on Edmonton’s south side.
The evacuees were displaced as a result of a fire at Heatheridge Estates, 18 Avenue and 111A Street.
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services received a 911 call to respond to the site at approximately 2:40pm on Thursday January 19, 2012.
The City’s Disaster Social Services is providing assistance, including food and lodging referrals, in partnership with the Red Cross.
About 70 fire fighters responded to the three-alarm blaze in the 80-unit apartment building.
Evacuees should contact 311 for updates.
Alberta | One person injured in mobile home fire
3000 block of 83rd Street NW, Calgary | 18 Jan 2012