The Chattanooga Fire Department is encouraging residents to take advantage of a simple, free program that could save lives in the critical moments following a traffic accident.
The Tennessee Yellow Dot Program is designed to provide first responders with immediate access to vital medical information when crash victims are unable to communicate. By placing a small yellow decal on a vehicle and storing a completed medical information form inside the glove compartment, participants can help emergency personnel make faster, more informed decisions.
“Yellow DOT is about saving those precious seconds immediately following a serious incident,” fire officials said in a statement.
Participants in the Yellow Dot program receive a packet containing a yellow decal for the driver’s-side rear window, a Yellow Dot folder, and a blank medical information sheet.
The decal alerts first responders to check the glove compartment for the folder, which contains critical details such as emergency contact information, medical conditions and allergies, current medications, recent surgeries, physician and insurance information, and preferred hospital.
Importantly, this information is not stored in any database. It remains solely in the participant’s vehicle and is only accessed by emergency personnel when needed.
While the program initially focused on senior drivers, officials say it is beneficial for anyone with chronic medical conditions, allergies, or daily medications. Passengers can also benefit, making it a valuable safety measure for families and caregivers.
There are multiple enrollment sites across Tennessee, including several in Chattanooga and surrounding communities. These locations provide free packets, assist with completing forms, and can even take a participant’s photo for identification purposes. Residents can find a nearby enrollment site by visiting the state’s online locator tool at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/cb1302fdf0ad4ff0a7440e55a2c72b40.
Getting started with the Yellow Dot program is straightforward. Participants pick up a free packet from a local enrollment site, fill in personal, medical, and emergency contact information, attach the yellow sticker to the driver’s-side rear window, and keep the completed form inside the glove compartment.
In emergencies, every second matters. The Yellow Dot program provides first responders with immediate access to potentially lifesaving information–without relying on technology or databases. For Chattanooga residents, it’s a small step that could make a critical difference when it matters most.