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This program is not currently offered through Worthington Fire & EMS |
WHAT IS PROJECT LIFESAVER?
Project Lifesaver gives Alzheimer's patients, their families and caretakers peace of mind by tracking the location of patients who wander unattended.
"Lifesaver has given me an extensive sense of security. It is the first time
in years that I can move from one room to another with any comfort. And I have
the comfort of immediate help, if I need"
Shirley Cassida, Wife and Caregiver
Wandering presents a critical emergency situation and the potential for disaster. Many Alzheimer's patients will wander sometime during the progression of the disease and those who are not found within the first 24 hours face a 50% chance of serious injury or death. If you do not know someone with Alzheimer's or a related mental disorder, it is likely you will in your lifetime.
The Alzheimer's Association reports there are currently 4 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in the United States; a number that is expected to triple by the year 2050. Here in central Ohio, nearly 24,000 have been diagnosed with the disease. Reports show that 59% of the Alzheimer's population will develop the wandering tendency.
HOW DOES PROJECT LIFESAVER WORK?
Project Lifesaver utilizes state-of-the-art technology that allows law enforcement, fire and EMS officials to track the location of a wandering individual using location detection devices.
Those involved in the program wear a bracelet that emits a silent tracking signal. If the victim wanders and is lost, a mobile locator tracking system pinpoints their location.
"Although we will always be concerned, we now know we can get immediate help,
which gives us some security and peace of mind."
Stacey Williams, Daughter
and Caregiver
PARTNERING WITH SAFETY FORCES
Project Lifesaver significantly improves recovery time and drastically reduces the manpower and money needed to locate a lost patient. The average cost for searching is $1,500 an hour, a number that is drastically reduced with Project Lifesaver. The average time for a wandering patient is nine hours; the Project Lifesaver average is 16 minutes.
Project Lifesaver team members are law enforcement, fire and EMS officials who are trained in the use of the electronic tracking equipment. They are also prepared to talk with patients and their families about the program and the causes and consequences of wandering.
WHAT IS THE REFERRAL PROCESS?
Project Lifesaver is currently available to our residents and those of
Whitehall.
If you live in one of these areas, please
contact us
or the Whitehall Division of Fire (614) 237-5478 for additional information.
Financial assistance is available and is
determined by level of need.
PROJECT LIFESAVER FACTS
- Project Lifesaver has been established in 33 states
- There are over 3,000 people with wristband transmitters nationwide
- 874 people with wristband transmitters have been saved since April, 1999 - all within 30 minutes
- Project Lifesaver's average recovery time is 16 minutes
Project Lifesaver is made possible through a 2002 BYRNE GRANT provided by:
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
373 S. High St., 26 Floor
Columbus, OH 43215