In an effort to bolster child safety during critical moments, Carmel has launched an innovative Car Seat Sticker Program—a collaboration between the Carmel Fire Department and the Carmel Police Department, providing crucial information to first responders in emergencies. According to a news release issued by the City of Carmel, the initiative entails distributing two types of stickers: one for medical and emergency contact details and another as a visual prompt for rescuers to search for this potentially lifesaving information.
Funded by the Carmel City Council, the Information sticker, designed to be affixed to car seats houses crucial details like health conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts, the Alert sticker labeled “CHECK CAR SEAT,” is intended for placement on visible areas of the vehicle to remind emergency personnel to find and utilize the child's information sticker in situations where time and clarity are of essence, such as when a parent is incapacitated. Both stickers are pivotal in scenarios where verbal communication isn't an option, particularly with the young and the mute whispers of unconsciousness.
“The program was launched because both departments, Mayor Finkam and City Council recognized the need to address situations where a parent might be unconscious, such as in a car accident, and a child is unable to speak for themselves,” Captain Renee Butts of the Carmel Fire Department remarked in the news release.
Councilor Shannon Minnaar, one of the key proponents of the sticker initiative, alongside Councilor Dr. Anita Joshi, valued the proactive steps taken by city officials to streamline this process, “I’m proud to have collaborated with the fire and police departments, as well as Councilor Joshi, to bring this program to life,” Minnaar noted, with Mayor Finkam adding, “This is yet another wonderful example of how City leaders collaborate to continue the shared goal of enhancing the safety and wellbeing of the community,” underscoring the value of public safety in the administration's priorities also, the community at large is encouraged to participate in this preventive safety measure.
The stickers, offered free to the public, will be available at Carmel's Public Safety Day next Saturday, and following this event, they can be picked up at all Carmel fire stations, police headquarters, and during various educational events.
