RWNES involved with Yellow Dot Program

A dot on the rear window of a vehicle alerts first responders about vital health information.

Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services has partnered with the Highway Safety Network to offer a program to help save more lives in the Mon Valley.

RWNES has decided to get involved in Pennsylvania’s Yellow Dot Program throughout its service areas.

Headquartered in Rostraver Township, the agency serves residents in Westmoreland, Fayette and Washington counties.

Pennsylvania’s Yellow Dot Program was created to assist citizens in the “golden hour” of emergency care following a traffic crash when they may not be able to communicate.

Placing a yellow dot in a vehicle’s rear window alerts first responders to check glove compartments for vital information to ensure people receive critical medical attention they need.

The program is a cooperative effort among the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation, Health and Aging; the Pennsylvania State Police; the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; and local first responders and law enforcement.

RWNES Outreach Supervisor Bob Stark said it’s the first time the ambulance service has partnered to offer the program.

“If something does arise, an emergency, and we are called, we can refer to the yellow dot, find out their history and pertinent information,” Stark said.

Participants complete a personal information portion in the booklet, which includes the participant’s name, contact information, emergency contact information, medical history and medications, allergies and the participant’s doctors’ contact information.

It also includes a photo showing only the participant’s head and shoulders.

The photo is taped on the spot allocated in the booklet, which is usually kept in the glove compartment.

The yellow dot decal provided in the program kit is placed in the lower left corner of the vehicle’s rear window.

Per recommendations, the top of the sticker should be no higher than 3.5 inches from the bottom of the window.

The decal alerts first responders that vital information can be found in the vehicle in case of an emergency.

“This is a benefit to the community because it’s totally free and not only helps us but the person involved in an emergency situation when they cannot speak for themselves,” Stark said. “This dot speaks for them because it includes their past medical history, their medication and other pertinent information.

“Hopefully, it never gets used, but if it is ever needed, their information is in there.”

Anyone who wants to participate in the program should bring a list of medications and emergency contacts.

724-314-0030

First responders will take a picture to place in the packet for proper identification, a medication list if needed and contact information, current health conditions and hospital preferences.

Stark said RWNES will host pop ups throughout its service area to help residents who want to participate. Dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, anyone can stop by the station, located at 100 Pleasant Valley Blvd. in Belle Vernon, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enroll.

RWNES covers multiple counties and local communities including North Belle Vernon, Rostraver Township, Smithton Borough, South Huntingdon Township, Sutersville Borough and West Newton Borough in Westmoreland County; Belle Vernon Borough, Jefferson Township, Perryopolis Borough and Washington Township in Fayette County; and Allenport Borough, Charleroi Borough, Donora Borough, Dunlevy Borough, Elco Borough, Fallowfield Township, Long Branch Borough, North Charleroi Borough, Roscoe Borough, Speers Borough, Stockdale Borough and Twilight Borough in Washington County.

Anyone wanting additional information or who would like to participate can contact Stark at 724-929-9116, ext. 110, or e-mail bstark@rwnes.org.