This month, Public Safety Director Steve Drane responded to a critical medical emergency inside a retail store. An 80-year-old guest had sustained a severe laceration to her calf, resulting in heavy bleeding.

Upon arriving at the scene, Director Drane immediately applied pressure to the approximately five-inch-long wound. When the bleeding continued uncontrollably, he acted decisively, placing his thumb directly into the wound to slow the blood loss while waiting for additional support. Altoona Police soon arrived and assisted Drane in applying a tourniquet to the guest’s leg. Once on the scene, Altoona EMS took over care and transported the guest to a local hospital. The amount of blood lost was considered life-threatening, and it is clear that Director Drane’s swift and courageous actions played a critical role in stabilizing the guest during those vital moments before EMS arrived. His response is a powerful example of composure under pressure and dedication to protecting those in need.

Pictured: Public Safety Director Steve Drane