‘Yellow Dot’ helps in vehicle emergencies

MADISON – Police have started the “Yellow Dot” program to improve safety after a collision or other emergency involving a vehicle.

First of its kind in Alabama, Yellow Dot program assists citizens and first responders after an automobile crash or other medical emergency involving a person’s vehicle. The program can help save lives during the critical ‘golden hour’ by improving communication when accident victims cannot communicate for themselves.

Yellow Dot program is a free service provided to individuals of all ages, with an emphasis on senior citizens.

Residents can sign up for Yellow Dot at two sites in Madison:

* Madison Police Department — 100 Hughes Road, 256-722-7190
* Woody Anderson Ford, 1638 Hughes Road, 256-217-8440

“Yellow Dot” provides detailed medical information that can be crucial following a crash. Participants receive a Yellow Dot decal, a Yellow Dot folder and an information form with the participant’s name, an identifying photo, emergency contact information, personal physicians’ information, medical conditions, recent surgeries, allergies and medications currently taken.

The 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 confirms that the person’s current medications and pre-existing medical conditions are considered when first responders administer treatment for injuries.

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs/Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Division (ADECA/LETS) is providing the funding for the program.

Northeast Alabama Traffic Safety Office is the administrator for Yellow Dot. The program is a cooperative effort of local law enforcement, fire and rescue workers, emergency medical services, senior citizen groups and other concerned residents.

For more information, visit adeca.alabama.gov/Divisions/lets/TrafficSafety/YellowDot.