Calling attention to the Yellow Dot Program

(WENY) -- The Yellow Dot Program is a national program that has been around for twenty years, but the Chemung County Sheriff's Office says its a great program to call attention to now.  Filling out a simple form and putting a sticker on your car window can help first responders have crucial information at their fingertips in the event of an emergency.

"I think the biggest thing it does is it eliminates the questions of who is this person? What concerns do we have? What information are we going to have to search for that is right there at their fingertips if they can get a hold of that," said Chemung County Sheriff Bill Schrom.

Participants can fill out the yellow card with personal information, including allergies, medications, and any other relevant medical details.  Anyone who regularly travels in the car can be on the form.  This goes in the glove box of the car, and the yellow dot sticker on the driver side rear window.

"Anytime that we can get any information on somebody's medical history, allergies, what medicines they take, it's important, especially when a person is unable to tell us if they're unresponsive or not able to speak. So it's definitely a big help," said Richard Kimball, a paramedic with Erway Ambulance.

By putting this sticker on your car, it allows law enforcement to pull you over between the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sheriff Schrom says this can be of help if

"The reason for that is generally, most people that have this program would have either some significant disability or potential other illnesses or issues," said Sheriff Schrom, "We want to make sure, number one, that if the person person is out and about, that they're aware that they're out and about, that there's not something going on with them that needs to be addressed or that somebody else doesn't have the vehicle that shouldn't have it. So it's a quick stop, check on them, make sure they're good to go and then send them on their way."

Yellow dots can be requested for free throughout New York State, and in Pennsylvania as well.  They can be requested through your local sheriff departments, as well as the Sheriff's Association.

In Chemung County, call (607) 737-2987 x74104 or email sheriff@chemungcountyny.gov or click here.