Health Department Distribution Center for Life-Saving Yellow Dot Program

November 29, 2011

November 28, 2011


                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  



Ford/Iroquois counties – The Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department offices in Paxton and Watseka are serving as distribution centers for the Life-Saving Yellow Dot Program.


The Yellow Dot Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, was originally introduced in Connecticut in 2002.  The life-saving, traffic safety initiative provides first responders with critical information to improve emergency care for persons involved in vehicle crashes.


According to Doug Corbett, Public Health Administrator, the program works in a very simple manner.  “Most people have heard the term, “The Golden Hour”, said Corbett.  “During the “Golden Hour”, which is the first hour following an injury or health issue such as a heart attack, a person has the best chance of recovery if they receive treatment during that initial hour.  Sometimes, however, treatment is delayed because responders do not know of any underlying medical conditions of the injured.  With the Yellow Dot Program responders will immediately look for the yellow decal in the lower left-hand corner of the rear window on the driver’s side of the vehicle.  If a dot is on the vehicle, responders will then go to the glove compartment of the vehicle where they will find a folder containing medical information about the motorist.” 


Corbett said the folder in the glove compartment contains medical information about the motorists such as their name, a close-up photo, emergency contact information, physician’s contact information, medical conditions, recent surgeries, list of medications and any allergies.


“With this information in hand, first responders are better able to make decisions regarding the care of the motorist,” Corbett stated.  “We are encouraging all of our residents to take part in this program,” he said.  “It is a free, it is easy, and it may save your life.”


Yellow Dot kits may be picked up at either the Paxton Office at 235 North Taft Street or the Watseka Office at 114 North Third Street.   For more information regarding the program, persons are encouraged to visit www.yellowdotillinois.org.


 


Picture:  Marcia Peznowski, Caregiver Advisor of the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department, places a yellow dot in the rear window of her vehicle while holding the medical information folder that she will complete and place in her glove compartment.