Subject:
Title
Resolution implementing the Yellow Dot Critical Motorist Medical Information program within Pinellas County.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution implementing the Yellow Dot Critical Motorist Medical Information program (Yellow Dot program) within Pinellas County.
• Section 316.0271, Florida Statutes enables but does not require a county to create a yellow dot critical motorist medical information program.
• Only Counties are authorized as per 316.0271 to oversee the creation of Yellow Dot programs to order to assure regional coordination
• Municipal Governments are encouraged to undertake such programs from a regional perspective rather than through local ordinance
• The City of Largo through its police department wishes to create a Yellow Dot program and has asked Pinellas County to authorize its creation.
• A Yellow Dot decal is placed on the back window of a participant’s vehicle and they put their medical information on a form inside their glove compartment. The Yellow Dot signifies to First Responders (Police, Fire and EMS) that medical information is available in the event of an emergency.
• A participant will receive a yellow dot decal, a yellow dot folder, and a form on which the participant shall provide his or her personal and medical information.
• The Pinellas County EMS Advisory Council, the Pinellas County Police Standards Council, the Pinellas County Fire Chiefs’ Association as well as the City of Largo have all reviewed the program and support its implementation.
• Citizens may not be charged a fee to participate in the Yellow Dot program.
• Participating First Responder agencies will fund any program costs.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community.
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach.
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support.
Summary:
Summary
Per Florida Statute, 316.0271, the governing body of a county may create a yellow dot critical motorist medical information program to facilitate the provision of emergency medical care to program participants by emergency medical responders by making critical medical information readily available to responders in the event of a motor vehicle accident or a medical emergency involving a participant’s vehicle.
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Background Information:
Any owner or lessee of a motor vehicle may request to participate in the program in the manner prescribed by the governing body of the county. A participant shall receive a yellow dot decal, a yellow dot folder, and a form on which the participant shall provide his or her personal and medical information.
The form must include a statement that the information provided will be disclosed only to authorized personnel of law enforcement and public safety agencies, emergency medical services agencies, and hospitals for authorized purposes.
The governing body of a county may solicit sponsorships from business entities and not-for-profit organizations to cover the costs of the program, including the cost of decals and folders that must be provided free of charge to participants.
The Pinellas County EMS Advisory Council, the Pinellas County Police Standards Council, the Pinellas County Fire Chiefs’ Association as well as the City of Largo have all reviewed the program and support its implementation.
Fiscal Impact:
Citizens may not be charged a fee to participate in the Yellow Dot program. Participating First Responder agencies will fund any program costs.
Staff Member Responsible:
James G. Fogarty, Director, Safety and Emergency Services
Partners:
City of Largo
Pinellas County EMS Advisory Council
Pinellas County Police Standards Council
Pinellas County Fire Chiefs’ Association
Attachments:
Resolution - Yellow Dot Critical Motorist Medical Information Program
Florida Statute 316.0271
Letter from the EMS Advisory Council
Letter from the City of Largo
Letter from the Pinellas County Fire Chiefs’ Association
Letter from the Pinellas County Police Standards Council