A simple yellow dot on the rear driver’s side window of Capital District cars could make the job of first responders a little easier when they arrive at the scene of an emergency.
The New York State Sheriffs’ Association and a group of local sheriffs from around the region introduced the Yellow Dot program on Wednesday, June 13. The free program is designed to help first responders “provide life-saving medical attention during the first ‘golden hour’ after a crash or other emergency” by putting victim medical information right at their fingertips.
The Yellow Dot kit is placed in the glove compartment of vehicles and contains medical information and a recent photo of the driver. A Yellow Dot decal on the rear window will alert first responders to the medical information card inside.
“When someone can not verbally respond to our deputies, reading the Yellow Dot card could save lives by giving our first responders vital medical information,” said Rensselaer County Sheriff Jack Mahar.
The statewide program is funded by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, a not-for-profit corporation that assists sheriffs in “the efficient and effective delivery of sheriffs’ services to the public.” The Yellow dot program originated in Connecticut 10 years ago, where it’s been successful.
Capital District residents can have a kit mailed to their door by ordering online at www.nysheriffs.org/yellowdot. Local sheriffs’ offices also have kits for pick-up.
“I have a pile of them here and people are calling and either picking them up or I’m having deputies drop them off,” said Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple.
Apple said the Yellow Dot initiative is a “simple program” and a “simple public service” Capital District sheriffs couldn’t turn down.
“When we were introduced to this a couple weeks ago and looked through some kits, we’re like ‘This would be a great thing,’” said Apple. “There’s really no negative to the program, only positive.”
The medical information card lists basic contact information, blood type, preferred doctor, preferred hospital, any medication being taken and any medical conditions or allergies. Apple said there’s no confidential or sensitive information that could pose the risk of identity theft or other problem should the card be stolen. Cards should be filled out in pencil to allow for medical changes.
Apple said the card can also be useful outside of the car, too.
“You can also do it for your house, put it on your door, put the card in the freezer — have one card for each person in the family,” said Apple.
First responders always worry about unknown medical conditions when arriving at the scene of an accident or other emergency, especially if the victim is unable to communicate, said Apple. Simple decisions like which hospital to transport them to could be critical.
“The first responder will have immediate access to any types of medication that person may be on and their treating physician, the preferred hospital and … they may have to alter the method of treatment they’re doing to make sure there’s no adverse effect,” said Apple.
Apple said there is no program like Yellow Dot and it’s something the community sorely needs.
“Growing up there was a Vial of Life program we did in Bethlehem. My father was involved in the firehouse and we went door to door dropping these vials off but I haven’t seen anything in a long time,” said Apple.
So, will Apple stick a Yellow Dot to the back of his own car?
“That’s a good question, I hadn’t thought about it. I probably will and I guarantee my mom will,” said Apple.