The Marion County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) received a special presentation at their meeting Thursday.

Paramedic Jason Ford with Pella Community Ambulance and a former combat medic discussed first response to catastrophic bleeding. Ford tells KNIA/KRLS News he learned techniques as part of his time in Afghanistan with the military and for many years as a paramedic. Ford shares some of the keys in treating traumatic injuries he shared with the LEPC.

The first thing to check for is danger to yourself if you intend to help — especially in active shooter or war zone situations. He says stopping bleeding is a huge priority during traumatic kinds of injuries.

The Marion County LEPC is a group of police, emergency management, paramedics, firefighters, and local business leaders from around the county who actively discuss emergency response in hazardous situations.