07/28/08 Bend
July 28, 2008, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is honored to announce that we are now accepting applications for client enrollment into Project Lifesaver. Project Lifesaver is the nation’s best known electronically based tracking program for victims suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders such as Down syndrome and Autism.
Clients that are enrolled in the Project Lifesaver program wear a personalized wristband that emits a tracking signal. Specially trained Sheriff’s deputies, personnel, volunteers and search and rescue teams from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office respond to the wanderer’s area with special tracking equipment that can receive the radio frequency for approximately one mile and starts searching.
Nationally, search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. In over 1,700 searches, there have been no reported serious injuries or deaths. Recovery times average less than 30 minutes.
“It is easy to conclude, based on the growing population of elderly in Central Oregon that there is a need for this program. In an effort to provide the very best public safety, in a proactive way, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will take the lead in providing this service to all Deschutes County citizens,” stated Sheriff Larry Blanton.
To become a participant, please call the Deschutes County’s Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue at (541) 388-6501. Participants will be interviewed to determine if they match the criteria for registration. Participants will be responsible for the cost of a one time fee of $300 for the wristband and 12 month supply of batteries. There will also be a monthly maintenance and inspection fee of $10.00. However, if there is someone that could benefit from this service, but have concerns over the costs, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will accept applications for potential assistance in the cost of the device. Programs may be developed to allow private parties to contribute to a Sheriff’s Office donation account that helps those that cannot pay the initial fee. For information on how to donate, please call (541) 388-6501.
