How It Works
How do we find loved ones?
By forming partnerships with local law enforcement and public safety organizations (such as the Erie County Sheriff’s Department), Project Lifesaver deploys specially trained teams with the most reliable technology available to quickly locate and return wandering children and adults to their families or caregivers.
Proven Radio Technology:
Project Lifesaver relies on proven radio technology and specially trained search and rescue teams. Clients that are enrolled in the Project Lifesaver program wear a personalized wristband that emits a tracking signal. When caregivers notify the Erie County Sheriff’s Department that a Project Lifesaver client is missing, a search and rescue team responds to the wanderer’s area and starts searching with the mobile locator tracking system. Search times have been reduced from hours and/or days to minutes. In over 2,000 searches, there have been no reported serious injuries or deaths. Recovery times average less than 30 minutes.
Highly Trained Teams:
Project Lifesaver teams are specially trained, not only in search and rescue and the use of the electronic tracking equipment, but also in the methods necessary to communicate with a person who has a cognitive disability such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, Down’s Syndrome, mental retardation, etc.
Locating the individual is only part of the mission. The person who is located may be disoriented and/or untrusting. The Project Lifesaver team knows how to approach the person, gain their trust and put them at ease for the trip home.