PROJECT LIFE SAVER

What is Project Lifesaver- Project Lifesaver is about people and partnerships. It is a proactive response to identifying citizens within the (our) community who have been known to become confused, have a tendency to wander and may not be able to return safely on their own. Individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism, Down’s Syndrome and other such disorders can now be located through state of the art technology. The program is run by members who are specially trained, not only in the use of the electronic tracking equipment but also in ways to communicate with those that may be confused and disoriented. 

Radio Technology and Rescue Team - The Project Lifesaver program consists of a small, personalized radio transmitter that is worn by the individual on their wrist or ankle that emits a tracking signal. When the individual becomes missing, the caregiver notifies the Project Lifesaver agency and the rescue team will respond to the last known location of the individual and begin the search with the mobile locator tracking system. With this proven radio technology, search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. In over 1600 searches, there have been no reports of serious injury or death, and the recovery time has averaged less than 30 minutes. 

Orange County and Project Lifesaver – The Project Lifesaver Program was established in May 2009 as a combined partnership between the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsborough Police Department, and Chapel Hill Police Department. The focus is on individual communities where law enforcement, civic groups, local business and caregivers join in developing and strengthening all aspects of the program including education, fundraising and rescues.

Amid the dramatic increase of people with Alzheimer’s Disease, Down Syndrome, and Autism, Project Lifesaver has become one of the leading organizations addressing the need to protect these patients and bring comfort to their families and caregivers.

 For additional information Contact Cpl. Butch Clark, Orange County Sheriff's Office at 919-644-3050