Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services

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Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services Outreach Supervisor Bob Stark, right, is shown with Jaci Brice, District 12 coordinator for the Highway Safety Network holding Yellow Dot program pamphlets. Submitted

RWNES involved with Yellow Dot Program

A dot on the rear window of a vehicle alerts first responders about vital health information.

By TAYLOR BROWN

Senior Reporter [email protected]

Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services has partnered with the Highway Safety Network to offer a program to help save more lives in the Mon Valley.

RWNES has decided to get involved in Pennsylvania's Yellow Dot Program throughout its service areas.

Headquartered in Rostraver Township, the agency serves residents in Westmoreland, Fayette and Washington counties.

Pennsylvania's Yellow Dot Program was created to assist citizens in the "golden hour" of emergency care following a traffic crash when they may not be able to communicate.

Placing a yellow dot in a vehicle's rear window alerts first responders to check glove compartments for vital information to ensure people receive critical medical attention they need.

The program is a cooperative effort among the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation, Health and Aging; the Pennsylvania State Police; the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; and local first responders and law enforcement.

RWNES Outreach Supervisor Bob Stark said it's the first time the ambulance service has partnered to offer the program.

"If something does arise, an emergency, and we are called, we can refer to the yellow dot, find out their history and pertinent information," Stark said.

Participants complete a

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personal information portion in the booklet, which includes the participant's name, contact information, emergency contact information, medical history and medications, allergies and the participant's doctors' contact information.

It also includes a photo showing only the participant's head and shoulders.

The photo is taped on the spot allocated in the booklet, which is usually kept in the glove compartment.

The yellow dot decal provided in the program kit is placed in the lower left corner of the vehicle's rear window.

Per recommendations, the top of the sticker should be no higher than 3.5 inches from the bottom of the window.

The decal alerts first responders that vital information can be found in the vehicle in case of an emergency.

"This is a benefit to the community because it's totally free and not only helps us but the person involved in an emergency situation when they cannot speak for themselves," Stark said. "This dot speaks for them because it includes their past medical history, their medication and other pertinent information.

"Hopefully, it never gets used, but if it is ever needed, their information is in there."

Anyone who wants to participate in the program should bring a list of medications and emergency contacts.

724-314-0030

First responders will take a picture to place in the packet for proper identification, a medication list if needed and contact information, current health conditions and hospital preferences.

Stark said RWNES will host pop ups throughout its service area to help residents who want to participate. Dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, anyone can stop by the station, located at 100 Pleasant Valley Blvd. in Belle Vernon, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enroll.

RWNES covers multiple counties and local communities including North Belle Vernon, Rostraver Township, Smithton Borough, South Huntingdon Township, Sutersville Borough and West Newton Borough in Westmoreland County; Belle Vernon Borough, Jefferson Township, Perryopolis Borough and Washington Township in Fayette County; and Allenport Borough, Charleroi Borough, Donora Borough, Dunlevy Borough, Elco Borough, Fallowfield Township, Long Branch Borough, North Charleroi Borough, Roscoe Borough, Speers Borough, Stockdale Borough and Twilight Borough in Washington County.

Anyone wanting additional information or who would like to participate can contact Stark at 724-929-9116, ext. 110, or e-mail [email protected]

Thoughts & Prayers for the Corey Comperatore family & his Fire Department family who is dealing with an unbelievable senseless loss.  🙏

Congratulations! Enjoy the well-deserved time off!

Remember to stay cool and hydrated on hot days like today! What a better way to do this by enjoying a nice Freezer Pop on National Freezer Pop Day!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Donora Volunteer Fire Department during this very difficult time

The Excessive Heat Warning and Heat Advisories currently in effect have been extended a day until 8PM Saturday. WPC HeatRisk maps can be found at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/

It's getting hot in hurr. 🥵

💦 Drink plenty of water
🧴 Wear sunscreen and lightweight clothes
🚫 Don't leave anyone in a parked car
⚠ Pay attention to if you're overheating and take action

Rostraver/West Newton Emergency Services has some of the best employees. Their dedication and skills have helped make our company one of the best around, and we want everyone to know who they are and how incredibly proud of them we are. We will be featuring one of our awesome employees in our “Employee Spotlight!” They are the men and women who have helped make our company what it is today and we at Rostraver/West Newton Emergency Services our proud to have them as part of our family.

We are expected to have high temperatures all week that posses a danger to everyone. Please take precautions if you have to be outside, stay hydrated, and take breaks often in a cool area.

Now that we're closing in on the heat wave, the Watch has turned into a Heat Advisory. Please take precautions if you're outside this week, and check on those that are most vulnerable.

EMT training starting August 19th thru December 12, 2024. Sign up Today

Congratulations, Matt Dees from the Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services family for passing and obtaining National Registry Advanced EMT Certification! We are excited to be a part of your journey and advancing career.

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National Safety Council National CPS Certification NHTSA Safe Kids Worldwide

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Congratulations to Breanne Carr from the Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services family on passing the National Registry Advanced EMT. We are excited to be apart of your journey.

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Big thank you to Mon Valley Signs.

Yesterday, last day of National EMS Week, Paramedic Supervisor Greg Cominsky prepared beef tips in mushroom gravy with mash potatoes and other sides. All the crews really enjoyed the hot meal on a busy Saturday.

Today, Paramedic Supervisor Scott Gates prepared a smoked brisket for the crews of Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services and Sewickley Township Community Ambulance.

It was meatball hoagie day today, with pasta and greenbeans! Thank you to Charlorie Station Manager/Paramedic Bobbi Jo Falcon for preparing this wonderful meal.

Personal pizza's were on the menu today. Crews from Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services and Sewickley Township Community Ambulance Service enjoyed personal pizza's prepared and made by Paramedic Supervisor's Saxon Dove and Josh Hodgkiss.