Yellow dot program helps first responders

ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

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The New York State Sheriff's Association's new program aims to save lives.

A little yellow sticker being distributed by the Niagara County Sheiff's Office aims to save lives.

The Yellow Dot Program, a project of the New York State Sheriff's Association, provides first responders with vital medical information in the case of an accident in people's cars or homes, which leaves them injured and incapacitated or otherwise unable to speak.

The small yellow sticker with a bright red border is to be affixed to the rear driver's side door of vehicles — or the front door of people's homes. It is an indication that a Yellow Dot information card is nearby.

The information card is a fairly simple medical form asking the person's name, emergency contacts, doctors, preferred hospital, blood type, medications and allergies. There is also a space to attach a recent photo so first responders know for sure that the person they're helping is the person on the card.

Once the card is filled out, people are asked to put it in a visible place in their glove box — or the freezer compartment of their refrigerator. A separate card should be used for each person who frequently travels in the car or each resident of the home.

The card should be updated annually to ensure that police, fire or paramedics have the most up-to-date information.

Niagara County Sheriff's Deputy Bob Richards says "it's another free program that we can provide our residents in time of need."

Cards and dots can be found locally at most municipal buildings or can be ordered online at nysheriffs.org/yellowdot, according to Deputy Richards.

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