Lincoln County Sheriff Jeff Jaeger announced Friday that they are bringing the Project Lifesaver program to Lincoln County. Designed to track and rescue those with cognitive conditions who tend to wander, this service answers a critical need for protecting people at risk of wandering, including those with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down syndrome and Dementia.
Project Lifesaver International, the leading organization in electronic search and rescue (SAR) programs, has conducted mandatory training and provided certification, ongoing management and support to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Their training included teaching public safety officials how to use the equipment and how to gain the trust of and communicate with people who wander, as well as to ensure that caregivers are well versed in the program – all of which are essential to a successful rescue.
Clients enrolled in the service will wear a wristwatch sized radio transmitter on their wrist or ankle. The transmitter constantly emits a VHF Radio frequency signal, which can be tracked regardless of where the person has wandered – even into a densely wooded area, a marsh, a concrete structure such as a garage, or a building constructed with steel. When a loved one goes missing, caregivers notify locally trained agencies and they are dispatched to the wanderer’s area and the average rescue time remains around 30 minutes.
Sheriff Jaeger advises the program is now up and running and enrollments are being accepted. Families and caregivers can enroll their loved ones by contacting Lt. Tim Fischer or Sgt. Jolena Davies at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Families or caregivers who cannot afford the service are encouraged to check with their local agency for available options, or call Project Lifesaver for grant opportunities.
For more information, contact Project Lifesaver at 1-877-580-5433 or www.projectlifesaver.org.