Project Lifesaver Protects

To a family member or caregiver, a lost person with Alzheimer's or a related condition such as Autism or Down Syndrome represents an emergency.

With nearly 5 million people nationwide with Alzheimer's and more than 15,000 in Alachua county alone, there is a need to have an effective and immediate response for those who wander and become lost.

Project Lifesaver is a vital law enforcement tool that finds missing people with Alzheimer's and related conditions and reunites them with their family members or caregivers.

It is the nation's most effective rescue program with 2,142 saves nationally and a 100% success rate.In 1999, the Chesapeake, Virginia, Sheriff's Office established Project Lifesaver. Project Lifesaver now has over 1,100 participating agencies across the U.S and Canada.

How the Program Works

Project Lifesaver uses advanced technology and trained law enforcement professionals to locate missing persons.

Individuals in the program wear personalized wristbands or anklets that emit a unique radio frequency tracking signal.

Rescue teams use mobile tracking units to pick up the signals.

Each unit contains a one ounce battery operated transmitter that automatically emits a signal every second and can be tracked for several miles from the air and up to one mile on the ground.

Searches that used to take many hours and cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars are now successfully resolved within an average of 30 minutes and at a fraction of the cost.

The program relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community organizations for financial support.

 

How to enroll

1. Call Project Lifesaver at (352)367-4043.
2. Schedule a personal interview.
3. Complete a questionnaire to determine eligibility.
4. Provide information for the participant's profile sheet.
5. Provide a Florida Id Card number or a photograph of the patient.

Why to consider project lifesaver

• 50% of Americans over age 85 have Alzheimer's.
• 59% of people with Alzheimer's develop wandering tendencies.
• A missing person's survival rate drops 50% after the first 24 hours missing.
• Autism occurs in 1 in 166 births.
• Down syndrome occurs in 1 in 1000 births.