Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver is a program designed to quickly locate and rescue individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. This includes those with Alzheimer's disease, autism, Down syndrome, and other related conditions. The program equips these individuals with personal transmitters that emit tracking signals. When caregivers notify the local Project Lifesaver agency about a missing person, a search and rescue team responds using the signal to locate the individual.

The inception of Project Lifesaver dates back to 1999, initiated by public safety officers in Chesapeake, Virginia, USA. The program's primary goal is to provide a rapid response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children who wander due to their cognitive conditions. Since its establishment, Project Lifesaver has grown significantly, with numerous law enforcement, fire/rescue, and other public safety agencies across the United States and Canada becoming involved.

The effectiveness of Project Lifesaver lies in its use of radio frequency technology, which is more reliable in many environments than GPS technology, especially in dense or challenging terrains. The personal transmitters worn by participants are small, wrist-watch sized devices that can be attached to the wrist or ankle. These transmitters emit a unique automatic tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day. The battery and the band on the transmitter are checked and replaced by local agency personnel or caregivers at regular intervals, usually monthly.

Project Lifesaver's search and rescue teams are specially trained, not only in the use of the electronic tracking equipment but also in the methods to communicate with a person who has a cognitive condition. This training ensures that once the individual is found, they can be safely and effectively returned to their caregivers.

The program has been credited with numerous successful rescues nationwide, significantly reducing search times from hours and days to minutes. The average rescue time for Project Lifesaver agencies is under 30 minutes, which is crucial in preventing harm or death in wandering incidents. Template:Safety-stub