Sheriff hopes program will help save lives

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with autism or another serious medical condition to participate in its Yellow Dot program.

The sheriff’s office has partnered with the Kentucky Autism Center, the University of Louisville, Montgomery County Fire/EMS, Bath County Sheriff and Bath County fire dept.’s to launch the program in Montgomery and Bath counties, Sheriff David Charles told the Advocate.

Since the initial announcement, Charles said Tuesday Morgan and Menifee counties have joined the program.

As part of the program, anyone traveling in a vehicle with autism or a serious medical condition can request a decal at the sheriff’s office to identify their medical condition should they be pulled over or involved in an accident, Charles said.

The decal is to be placed in the lower left side of the rear window of the vehicle.

The person fills out a simple form about their medical condition that is then placed in an envelope in the glove box of the vehicle, Charles  said.

When law enforcement or Fire-EMS spot the decal they know to look in the glove box, the sheriff said.

Charles said law enforcement can take “a softer approach” to the vehicle if they have to pull it over and someone with autism is inside and more sensitive to bright lights and loud noises.

The decals can also be especially helpful if someone is involved in an accident and is on blood thinners or has drug allergies, for instance, he said.

“This would allow us to gather this information for EMS and possibly save their life,” Charles said. “The first hour is what we call the ‘golden hour’ in treating these traumatic injuries. The more information Fire-EMS and law enforcement has the greater the chance you’ll survive.”

The decals are available in the front office of the sheriff’s office located in the basement of the courthouse. They are free.

The program was launched to promote understanding and support for individuals with autism.

One of the primary goals is to improve communication between responders and individuals with autism, according to program materials.

It also helps ensure appropriate care and support during critical situations and promotes awareness and acceptance of autism in the community, officials say.

Since launching the program recently, 250 people have requested the Yellow Dot decals, Charles said Tuesday.