From a fire and rescue point of view, what happens in the first several minutes following an automobile accident can mean the difference between life and death for those involved. The decisions that first responders, those whose job it is to save lives, make in the critical moments after an accident, can dictate what treatments the victim receives or doesn’t receive. Many times the occupants of the vehicles involved in violent collisions are unconscious or otherwise unable to speak and information pertinent to the person’s treatment goes uncommunicated. This leaves emergency workers guessing at the possible medical history of the patient and making generalized decisions. In order to precisely communicate medical information about the drivers of the vehicles involved in a collision to first responders, Broward County is launching the “Yellow Dot” program throughout the county.
The “Yellow Dot” system has been developed and according to Broward Mayor Marty Kiar is being deployed today. A Yellow Dot can be voluntarily displayed in the rear window of a motor vehicle or prominently on a motorcycle that alerts first responders to look in the glove box for a pamphlet that will inform emergency workers of any special medical circumstance that apply to this individual. Such information could include the current drugs that the driver is taking as well as any existing medical condition that they are suffering from such as a heart condition or allergies. The key is the accuracy of this information as well as keeping this information updated.
The following is contact information for those who wish to participate in the program. DATE: February 1, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe
Public Information Manager, Broward County Commission
PHONE: (954) 357-8053
EMAIL: kmaroe@broward.org
For a complete description of the program, visit https://www.broward.org/yellowdot.