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Yellow Dot Program could be lifesaver
Yellow Dot Program.jpg
A small yellow sticker on the back window of vehicles can assist emergency responders in gaining appropriate medical care after a motor vehicle accident, a thumbs up for that given by Warren County resident Alma McCormick. Pictured, from left, are McMinnville Fire Department firefighter Todd Ratley, firefighter Capt. Martin White, Warren County resident Alma McCormick, McMinnville Police Department Lt. Mark Mara, and Warren County EMS critical care paramedic John Pitts. - photo by Lisa Hobbs

A program aimed at saving lives during emergency situations will launch in Warren County next week. Receive a Yellow Dot on Wednesday and with it get added reassurance that responding personnel will have quick access to your crucial medical information. 

The Yellow Dot Program alerts emergency personnel and first-responders of crucial medical information of the victim in a car accident. Those in the program will receive a recognizable yellow decal and a matching yellow packet.

The decal sticks to the rear window on the driver’s side. The packet goes in the glove box and is filled with necessary medical information. When emergency personnel see the yellow sticker, they know to check the glove compartment.

McMinnville Police Department Lt. Mark Mara says the Yellow Dot Program can be a lifeline.

“If you have any medical issues and you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, emergency personnel need to know what those conditions are in order to provide you with the best possible care,” said Mara. “A sticker smaller than the palm of my hand will draw attention of EMS of critical medical needs of an occupant.”

To ensure the information in the glove box pertains to the driver, a photo should be included. 

“Not every person involved in a motor vehicle is conscious when responders arrive on scene,” said Mara. “If you’re unconscious or suffered a traumatic injury and are unable to communicate, this information will be very valuable toward your care.” 

The worst-case scenario of an emergency ambulance response is that the crew knows nothing about the patient and the patient is unable to relay that information. While personnel train for those situations and treat as quickly and thoroughly as possible, the packet of information will help speed up the process during a time when every second counts.

During medical emergencies, the following is information is important: name, birthday, allergies, medications with dosages, any over-the-counter medications and vitamins taken on a regular basis, and medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, seizures, etc. 

The first chances to sign up will be Wednesday, Aug. 11. 

“We’ll be at Spangler Towers from 9 to 11 a.m. and at Warren County Senior Center from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday,” said Mara. “Everyone who wants to join this program is welcome to attend.”

Spangler Towers is located at 413 E. Main Street. Warren County Senior Center is located at 809 Morrison Street.