SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Because of the national Yellow Dot program, local responders now have one more life-saving tool in their arsenal when responding to emergencies.

Spanish Fort Fire-Rescue Chief Roger Few said Baldwin County recently became only the 17th county in the state to adopt the Connecticut-based program that compiles voluntary vital information files for any requesting resident.

“The program can help save lives during the critical ‘golden hour’ by improving communication at a time when accident victims may be unable to communicate for themselves. It’s designed for seniors, but anybody can utilize it,” Few said.

The process involves providing health information — such as allergies or existing medical conditions — that could help responders assess and address a situation more quickly.

A photo of the person is then taken and all of the information is kept in a yellow folder in the glove compartment. A Yellow Dot decal placed on the rear window of the vehicle alerts emergency personnel to the file’s existence.

“It’s a great program to help get critical information out for people who can’t speak for themselves,” Few said.

Specifically, the folders contain:

• The identifying photo.
• Emergency contact information.
• Blood type.
• Personal contact information.
• Pre-existing medical conditions or recent surgeries.
• Allergies.
• Any medications being taken.
• Physician contact information.

In addition to being helpful in the aftermath of traffic accidents, Few said the Yellow Dot program can be helpful when units are dispatched for medical emergencies to homes.

“If (responders) see a vehicle in the driveway with a yellow dot, they know that information is in the glove box to help them deal with whatever they found inside,” he said.

The free program is funded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs’ Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Division and is being administered by the Northeast Alabama Traffic Safety Office.

Local residents can enroll at Fire Station 1 on Spanish Fort Boulevard across from City Hall between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Few said the process takes about 10 minutes.

For more information or for a complete list of Baldwin County registration sites, visit www.spanishfortfire.org.