Project Lifesaver

A program designed to locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to wandering.

Project Lifesaver is a community-based, public safety, non-profit organization that provides law enforcement, fire/rescue, and caregivers with a program designed to protect, and when necessary, quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. The program is especially focused on individuals with Alzheimer's disease, autism, Down syndrome, and other cognitive conditions.

Overview

Project Lifesaver logo

Project Lifesaver was established in 1999 by the Chesapeake, Virginia Sheriff's Office. The program was created in response to the growing number of search and rescue missions for individuals with cognitive disorders who had wandered away from their caregivers. The primary goal of Project Lifesaver is to reduce the time, resources, and risk involved in search and rescue operations by equipping individuals with a personal transmitter device.

Technology

The Project Lifesaver program utilizes a radio frequency-based tracking system. Each participant in the program wears a small transmitter on their wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. When a caregiver notifies the local Project Lifesaver agency that a participant is missing, a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer's area and begins searching with specialized radio frequency tracking equipment.

Training and Support

Project Lifesaver provides comprehensive training to law enforcement and public safety agencies. This training includes the use of the tracking equipment, understanding the behaviors of individuals with cognitive disorders, and strategies for effective communication with these individuals once located. The program also offers ongoing support and updates to ensure that agencies are equipped with the latest technology and techniques.

Impact

Since its inception, Project Lifesaver has been credited with over 3,500 successful rescues. The program has significantly reduced the time required to locate missing individuals, often finding them within 30 minutes of the search initiation. This rapid response is crucial in preventing injuries and fatalities among vulnerable populations.

Expansion

Project Lifesaver has expanded beyond the United States and is now implemented in several countries worldwide. The program continues to grow as more communities recognize the importance of protecting individuals with cognitive disorders.

Related pages

• Alzheimer's disease
• Autism
• Down syndrome
• Search and rescue