About Project Lifesaver:
Project Lifesaver is a 501 (C) (3) community based, public safety, non-profit organization that provides law enforcement, fire/rescue, other first responders and caregivers with equipment and training to quickly locate and rescue individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, and Down syndrome. To date Project Lifesaver agencies have conducted nearly 4,000 successful rescues. Most who wander are found within a few miles from home, and search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. Recovery times for Project Lifesaver clients average 30 minutes — 95% less time than standard search operations. Nationwide there are over 1,400 Project Lifesaver agencies throughout 48 states, six provinces in Canada, and Australia.
For the families of children and adults with autism, Alzheimer’s or related conditions and cognitive disorders, the possibility of their loved one becoming lost is a frightening reality. The Carter County Sheriff’s Office offers a way to ease that anxiety: Project Lifesaver.
The Project Lifesaver program was started by the Elizabethton / Carter County S.A.L.T. (Seniors And Law Enforcement Together) committee and Carter County Sheriff’s Office in an effort to provide enhanced support and assistance to Carter County residents who are primary caregivers for an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia disorder as well as families of children afflicted with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injuries or cognitive impairments. This program has grown over 150% and we are expanding!
Project Lifesaver is a radio transmission system designed to assist law enforcement and emergency services operations in locating lost or missing persons who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, autism, dementia, or other disorders that inhibit them from being able to help themselves or communicate effectively with others. The program is designed to assist these adults and children who may wander away from home and get lost.
The Carter County Sheriff’s Office has several deputy sheriffs and volunteers that are trained in the use and application of the radio transmission and receiver equipment. It is Sheriff Lunceford’s intent that this service be provided to all county residents to whom it will bring relief. Sheriff Lunceford said, “It’s another initiative that allows us to better provide a level of protection and safety for our citizens and families in Carter County.” Currently we have 6 participants that have been enrolled in the program and we already have five more currently in the application process! Average cost with an enrolled participant is $50.00 per year, which includes batteries and replacement bands. A new participant startup cost is $350-$400 for transmitter, batteries and replacement bands. The agency will absorb these costs through donations and other funding.
Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small watch size transmitter either on their wrist or ankle that emits a tracking signal. If a member enrolled in the system goes missing this will allow for a specially trained electronic Search and Rescue (S.A.R.) member to respond immediately and start searching the area to bring the loved one back home to his or her family safely. There is an average recovery time of 30 minutes or less from the time that law enforcement responds and the missing person is located. Often times the missing person is within a few miles of their home.
If you know of a friend or family member who would benefit from this program or would like to become a volunteer or contributor please contact:
Sergeant Michael Carlock 423-542-6249