Project Lifesaver, a non-profit international organization, has become internationally recognized as a proven program that saves lives. Project Lifesaver protects wandering patients and gives peace of mind to caregivers, families and communities. Project Lifesaver is a rapid response program that aides victims and families suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related disorders such as Down's Syndrome and Autism.  By forming partnerships with local law enforcement and public safety organizations, Project Lifesaver sends specially trained teams to quickly locate and return wandering adults and children to their families and caregivers.

 

People who are part of the Project Lifesaver Hendricks County program wear a personalized wristband that emits a tracking signal. Each responding agency is given a list of clients in their jurisdiction. Caregivers are advised to notify their agency that the person is missing.  Each agency has been given a copy of procedures to follow. A search and rescue team is then dispatched to respond to the wanderer's area and start searching with the mobile locating tracking system. The Project Lifesaver wristband is much more than an ID bracelet. It is a one ounce battery-operated radio wrist transmitter that emits an automatic tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day. The signal is tracked over several miles. As each wristband has a unique radio frequency, the Project Lifesaver Hendricks County search team can locate and identify the person who has wandered away from their home or care facility.  The Project Lifesaver program has been able to reduce search times from hours and days to minutes

 

Project Lifesaver Hendricks County, Inc. is in need of updated receivers and antennas at 3 responding agencies. These agencies include: Brownsburg Fire Territory, Plainfield Fire Territory, and Washington Township Avon Fire Department.  Danville Fire Department is another agency that is a member of Project Lifesaver, yet they received updated equipment in 2013 through grant funding. We would also like to acquire 2 additional receivers and antennas to allow us to expand out to volunteer departments that aren’t currently participating in the program.

 

The devices are utilized by our first responders to triangulate the position of the client.  Responders input the six digit code from the client’s bracelet into the device and use the antenna to track the signal that is emitted from the client’s transmitter. The new technology is not only smaller and easier to manipulate, but also picks up the signal from the client’s transmitters at a wider range.  Due to the ability to search larger areas with these new devices, the time needed to return the client to their caregiver will be minimized. 

 

There are many special needs and elderly residents in Hendricks County that currently take advantage of the program’s services.  We currently have 37 clients in the program and 3 additional clients that have expressed interest.  As we continue to develop the program, we plan to build relationships with local extended care facilities and schools to educate other agencies that might have clients that could benefit from the services. 

 

Project Lifesaver Hendricks County, Inc. provides equipment, training, and supplies to clients as well as responders that participate in the program. Transmitters, batteries, bands, testers, receivers, and antennas are provided at no expense if families are unable to purchase needed supplies.  This allows agencies that cannot support the program due to budget restraints, to assist with the program. Current funding is used to provide our clients with monthly battery and bracelet changes. Additional funding will be used to purchase updated equipment. This will allow us to use our current budget to continue the program and begin the process of expansion.

 

Funding for Project Lifesaver depends solely upon the support of the community. Project Lifesaver Hendricks County’s goal is to provide the benefits of the program to all in need regardless of their ability to pay. Funding for the organization comes from private donations and grants from the government, corporations and charitable foundations. Contributions made to Project Lifesaver Hendricks County are used directly for the program operations including rescues, equipment and education. Fundraising efforts are done on a regular basis to provide the best services our program can offer.