Already in place in up to 22 states, the program assists citizens in the "golden hour" of emergency care following a traffic crash when they may not be able to communicate their needs themselves.
Participants of the program receive a Yellow Dot decal, a Yellow Dot folder and an information form with the physician's information, identifying photo, emergency contact info, medical conditions, etc.
A Yellow Dot decal on the driver's side rear window of a vehicle alerts responders to check in the glove compartment for the corresponding Yellow Dot folder of information.
Another Yellow Dot decal on the front door of your home alerts responders to check for medical information inside the participant’s refrigerator.
“People are not signing up for anything, we keep no personal information,” said Heidi Ebbett, Rotarian. “It is for first responders to save seconds and save lives. They see the Yellow Dot and know where to find medical information.”
Providing information on medical conditions, medications, or medical allergies will help medical professionals make the best decision about your emergency medical treatment.
“We have actually combined two programs into one,” said Vicki Padgett Rotarian. “The first program is the Yellow Dot, which involves the motor vehicle. The second program is the Vial of Life. Similar to the Yellow Dot, the same decal is placed on or by the front door of the residence. That alerts first responders to check in the upper right refrigerator door for the medical information form found in a baggy.”
Padgett said all participants have to do is pick up a packet, put a picture on the medical form and fill it out.
Padgett said she helped to start the program in Las Vegas, where she previously lived.
“I approached the Corsicana Rotary Club several months to see if they would be interested in starting the program here,” she said. “They were very responsive and contributed $2,000 as start up costs for printing. They also engaged first responders, such as the fire department, police department, and the Community Emergency Response Team.”
The program is sponsored by the Corsicana Rotary Club, Corsicana Fire Rescue, Lott Physical Therapy & Fitness Center and the Navarro County Office of Emergency Management.