Mundelein police participate in safety program
The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Illinois Yellow Dot program is a lifesaving traffic-safety initiative that provides first responders with critical information for persons needing emergency care while in their vehicle.
The Mundelein police department is partnering with IDOT as a distribution center for the program, helping interested residents increase awareness of the voluntary, federally funded effort.
“This program gives first responders vital information about medical conditions of driver and passengers so that treatment in a medical emergency can be expedited,” Police Chief Raymond Rose said.
The first hour after an injury — sometimes referred to as the “Golden Hour” — is critical in the treatment of crash victims.
The medical information provided through the program could be a lifesaver. When a crash occurs, emergency first responders such as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians are dispatched to the scene. These responders usually have basic information, such as the location of the crash and the number of victims. Frequently, minimal personal information is available during this early time period.
The yellow dot, which is displayed in the lower driver’s side corner of the rear window, signifies there is a folder in the glove compartment containing medical information about the driver and passengers.
That information includes: a person’s name, a close-up photo, emergency contact information, a patient’s physician information, medical conditions, recent surgeries, allergies and a list of current medications.
Having access to this information allows crews to make important decisions regarding emergency treatment and can better prepare emergency hospital staff in the receiving room.
For more information, visit yellowdotillinois.org.
Get materials at the Mundelein village hall, 400 E. Hawley St., at the police station, 221 N. Lake St., or at the main fire station, 1000 N. Midlothian Road.
You can also call village hall at (847) 949-3200, the police station at (847) 968-4600, or the fire department at (847) 949-3260.