Yellow Dot Program

If you are involved in a vehicle crash or have a medical emergency that leaves you unable to communicate vital medical information to emergency medical services personnel, firefighters or law enforcement officials, this program is designed to provide that information to them for you. Information that can save time and help you receive the proper care.

It is a very simple effort consisting of a yellow dot decal to be placed on the rear window of a vehicle. This alerts a first responder that pertinent life saving information about the driver and/or other vehicle occupants can be found in the glove box. The information packet can include as much information as you are comfortable with. A person’s medical history including surgeries, medications they are taking and their allergies are all valuable medical information to first responders. A picture should be included as well to help link the proper person with the information.

We need to stress that having that yellow dot on the rear window does not signify that there are medications, prescriptions or anything of that nature in the glove compartment of that vehicle. No record is kept by County officials of the information. It remains the drivers property.

The yellow dot program was first introduced in Connecticut in 2002 and has since spread to numerous states across the nation. We are aware of many lives that have been saved because first responders had access to the vital information provided by the yellow dot program. Time is crucial in an emergency situation. Something as simple as having your medical information immediately available can potentially make a big difference in the care you receive and expect.

” ‘It is very nice to see innovative programs to address the unique risks associated with older Americans and car crashes,’ says Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. ‘Since older individuals tend to have more medical conditions, are on more medications and are generally more fragile, this sounds like a well-justified program, especially in light of the growing number of older Americans.’ “
– Article: Yellow Dot Car Program Speeds Help To Crash Victims: usatoday.com

The decals and packets (which will include an additional wallet card and information sheet to be placed in the home located on the refrigerator) are available at the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Department of Emergency Services within a week. For additional information please contact info@ReadyLancaster.org.