This Could Save Your Life

By Glenn Collins
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 | 4:06 PM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=1158

Here is the situation seen everday by first responders across the country: they arrive at an accident scene to find a victim unable to respond to questions, unable to communicate, unable to assist in the saving of their own life, unable to be identified. The list goes on. This no longer needs be.

Enter the “Yellow Dot” program. With the Yellow Dot, a crash victim can inform first responders of name, show them a picture, list allergies, tell existing medical conditions, say whom to call. The list goes on. And this will be the new case throughout Winston County.

“Yellow Dot” is free and it can save the participant's life. The kick-off for the program is Tuesday, July 10, 10 AM, at Double Springs City Hall.

Winston County Commission Chairman Roger Hayes encourages everyone to participate in the program. Hayes says this program is for everyone's benefit, “It could save their life.”

Here is how it works. The “Yellow Dot” provides detailed medical information that can be crucial following a crash. Participants in the program receive a “Yellow Dot” decal, a “Yellow Dot” folder and an information form with name, identifying photo, emergency contact information, personal physicians’ information, medical conditions, recent surgeries, allergies and medications being used.

A “Yellow Dot” decal on the driver’s side rear window of a vehicle alerts first responders to check in the glove compartment for the corresponding “Yellow Dot” folder. Having this information following a crash helps first responders positively identify the person, get in touch with family or emergency contacts and ensures that the person’s current medications and pre-existing medical conditions are considered when treatment is administered for injuries.

Details for the county-wide implementation of the program are still being determined. More information will be available as the 'kick-off' day approaches.

The program is a free service and is being funded by the Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. All municipalities in the county are participating and five enrollment centers will be available. Details of locations and hours of operation for enrollment will be announced later.

More information about the program is available at its web page: [http://www.adeca.alabama.gov/C15/YellowDot/default.aspx] and on its Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaYellowDot].