One Yellow Dot Can Make Life or Death Difference

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police, first responders and members of the medical community today showcased the benefits of the Illinois Yellow Dot program and signed up new participants on Senior Day at the Illinois State Fair.

“This simple, but effective program truly is a lifesaver,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “The ‘golden hour’ after a crash is crucial. The information the Yellow Dot program provides can mean the difference between life and death for someone who is injured.”

Launched in Illinois in 2011, the program is simple enough. Participants place a circular yellow sticker on the lower left corner of the driver’s side rear window of their vehicles and fill out a card to place in their glove box. On the card is vital personal information that assists first responders in providing the best care for victims in the event of a crash. The information provided on the cards also helps hospital staff make critical decisions in determining the types of medications and treatment to administer.

Information on the card includes: the participant’s name, a photo, medical conditions, recent surgeries, current medications, allergies, physician information and emergency contact information.

“ISP troopers are oftentimes the first emergency personnel to arrive on scenes where medical attention is needed,” said Illinois State Police Col. Michael Zerbonia. “The Yellow Dot can provide troopers with critical medical information to help save a life.”

For Senior Day at the fair, IDOT offered fairgoers Yellow Dot stickers, personal information cards and use of a photo booth so they could take part in the program.

“Minutes matter when providing emergency medical care for car crash victims,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D.  “Having a person’s medical information, especially prescription information, can help emergency responders determine what treatment to start and avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.”
           
Since its inception, thousands of people have signed up for the Illinois Yellow Dot program, which has been featured in the Governors Highway Safety Association’s State Highway Safety Showcase.

“We encourage all older drivers to participate in this unique program,” said Illinois Department on Aging Acting Director Jennifer Reif. “The Yellow Dot program serves as an opportunity to update medical information which can help victims who may not be able to communicate with first responders in the event of an accident.”

Visit http://youtu.be/TG7WDeBAqYE to watch a brief instructional video and visit www.yellowdotillinois.org to sign up for the program. Click on the “Where can I get my DOT?” tab for a list of distribution locations statewide.

The program is available at no cost to Illinois residents and funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.