Preliminary investigation by Sgt. Gerald Michalak shows that a black 2016 Acura was north bound in the center lane behind a tractor/trailer. The tractor/trailer had slowed in the center lane for other traffic that was ahead of it. The driver of the Acura, Graham E. Becher, 39, from Westfield, Indiana, was reportedly distracted when he looked back at the roadway but was unable to avoid a collision. The Acura then rear-ended the semi-trailer.
An adult female seated in the passenger seat of the Acura was pinned inside the vehicle and had to be extricated. As Sgt. Michalak assessed the injuries to the female, he determined that it was necessary to apply a tourniquet to her arm to control/stop the bleeding. Once the patient was removed from the vehicle, she was flown to Christ Advocate Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois for treatment. The driver of the Acura and a child that was also in the vehicle were transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Crown Point for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the semi, Alexander Shevchuk 32, from Palatine, Illinois, was not injured and was able to drive his truck, a 2013 Volvo owned by Always There Express Corporation, from the scene. Prior to being released, an inspection was completed on the truck/trailer by Trooper Justin Heflin of the ISP Commercial Motor Vehicle Division (CVED). The interstate was closed for approximately 2 hours for crash investigation and removal of the vehicles.
Indiana State Police troopers are issued tourniquets and are trained in the proper application to a serious injury. Often times these tourniquets not only are able to save a life, but can also save a damaged limb.
Assisting at the scene was Superior Air Ambulance, Hoosier Helpers, Area Towing, Crown Point Fire/EMS, Lowell Fire Department, Tri-Creek Ambulance and Sgt. Scott Krueger.
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