The swerving driver up ahead might not be intoxicated, but rather, the victim of a medical emergency.

That is the premise behind Medical Alert Stickers for Motorized Vehicles (MAS-MV), a new venture by Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student Jessica Dove, 21, of La Porte, Indiana.

Dove, a fourth generation volunteer firefighter and an EKU forensics chemistry major also obtaining a degree in fire, arson, and explosion investigation, said the idea for the medical alert vehicle sticker was spurred when she was still in her hometown serving as the 2012 Indiana Volunteer Fire Association’s (IVFA) Miss Flame.

When she became Miss Flame, Dove said her district chairman suggested she look into starting a project. Afterwards, she spoke with various state, county and city first responders about medical related issues when dealing with motor vehicle accident victims.

“A lot of them came back saying that it is hard to identify the medical issues and/or allergies of an individual involved in an automobile accident,” Dove said, adding that often medical emergencies such as diabetic episodes can mimic the symptoms of an intoxicated person, which could prevent an individual from receiving medical attention in the timely manner they might require.

Dove recounted a story she heard about an officer that had initiated a traffic stop, and tried to talk to the driver, who couldn’t speak due to a diabetic episode. The man was not wearing an I.D. or medical bracket but quickly was flipping through his wallet for identification. When the officer saw a medical card, and asked if he was diabetic, the man nodded his head and fell unconscious.

Often medical IDs and bracelets can be overlooked, but Dove’s sticker project will allow first responders to see the MAS-MV and know that someone inside might need special medical attention.

Nationwide, several programs, initiatives and stickers promoting medical alert awareness on roadways already exist. However, Dove’s design and concept go beyond simply applying a sticker to a vehicle.

The reflective stickers, which come in packs of two, are intended to be placed in the front and back windshield and boldly state “Medical Alert.” The stickers also say to look inside the glove box for more information. There, the driver would keep an ID card containing their age, height, allergies, weight, medical history and medications required.

Assisted by the IVFA Chair, Dove has been involved in the MAS-MV creation process from the very start, even in design.

“I wanted to incorporate the most universally known images that people recognize such as the medical and fire signs,” she said. “That way, it will just be common sense and it can direct people to the right information.”

Dove added that the sticker could be a possible lifesaver regardless of the medical condition, whether it is an allergy to bees, diabetes, or asthma.

“Someone (with a medical condition) should have these (stickers) in their vehicle to inform, protect and help themselves and emergency responders during potential accidents or emergency situations,” she added.

Dove launched her business April 1 with the addition of a website, where MAS-MV can be purchased for $7 per pack. Dove said that all items are made in her hometown of La Porte and shipped via mail to her customers.

For more information or to purchase MAS-MV, visit her site or email Jessica Dove directly.

King writes for the Richmond, Kentucky Register.