Project Lifesaver is a rapid-response program aiding victims and families suffering from Alzheimer’s and other related disorders by quickly locating and returning wandering adults and children to their families and caregivers.

In collaboration with local civic groups and social service agencies, the Westerville Division of Police adopted the Project Lifesaver program in 2009. Project Lifesaver’s mission is to use advanced special rescue techniques, and a special responder program with state of the art technology to assist those who care for victims of Alzheimer’s and other Related Mental Dysfunction disorders (ARMD).

Project Lifesaver focuses on collaboration between law enforcement, civic groups, local business and caregivers to promote rescues, education and especially fundraising so that families in financial need can have protection and peace of mind. Members of the Project Lifesaver team are trained to use electronic tracking equipment and communication methods useful with a person who has special needs.

People who are a part of the program wear a personalized bracelet that emits a tracking signal. When caregivers notify the local Project Lifesaver agency that the person is missing, officers identify the signal from a specialized directional antenna and are able to track the wandering person. Officers use this equipment on foot, in cars, and also by air providing maximum cover and capability for search efforts for several miles. Search times have been reduced from hours even days to an average time of less than 30 minutes. The bracelet is much more than an ID bracelet. It is a one ounce battery operated radio wrist/ankle transmitter emitting an automatic tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day. Each bracelet has a unique radio frequency allowing the search team to positively locate and identify the person that has wandered away from home or a care facility. The signal may be tracked on the ground or in the air. 

Jennifer Kennedy
Westerville Division of Police
(614) 901-6860
E-mail: Jennifer.kennedy@westerville.org

Project Lifesaver Brochure