Full Notification

The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, Autism, and other related conditions or disorders.

The task of searching for wandering or lost individuals with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down syndrome, dementia or other cognitive conditions is a growing and serious responsibility. Without effective procedures and equipment, searches can involve multiple agencies, hundreds of officers, countless man hours and thousands of dollars. More importantly, because time is of the essence, every minute lost increases the risk of a tragic outcome.

Currently, 1,100 agencies in 45 states participate in the program—police, sheriff, fire, public safety departments and other emergency responders. The method relies on proven radio technology and specially trained search and rescue teams. Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small transmitter on the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area. Most who wander are found within a few miles from home, and search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. Recovery times for PLI clients average 30 minutes — 95% less time than standard operations.

The Nash County Sheriff's Office is currently a supporting member of Project Lifesaver. Many of our Deputies have been certified and trained on how to utilize the technology with Project Lifesaver to help locate a missing person.

It only costs $10 per month to participate and that simply covers the cost of the batteries for the bracelet. The costs of the bracelets are paid for through donations from business, foundations, organizations, and individuals.

For more information, contact the Nash County Aging Department at 252-459-1365.