The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) held their quarterly meeting Thursday at the Marion County Health Department.

Area first responders, medical personnel and volunteers took part in Stop The Bleed training presented by members of Public Health and Marion County Emergency Management. Director of the Emergency Department at Pella Regional Health Center, Gina Jones tells KNIA/KRLS News the Stop The Bleed training is essential training for all first responders and care providers in the community. She says the training gives individuals skills to help apply direct pressure or to administer a tourniquet to stop bleeding in an emergency. Jones recommends everyone take part in the training. She adds the training is a very good life skill to have. The LEPC’s mission is to provide emergency planning resources and guidance in Marion County through education, coordination and assistance between citizens, business, industry and government.