Haldimand County OPP, Paramedic Services partner to launch Project Lifesaver

Haldimand County OPP, in partnership with Haldimand County Paramedic Services, has launched a new life-saving initiative – Project Lifesaver – to support individuals at risk of wandering due to cognitive conditions or developmental disabilities.

Project Lifesaver is an internationally-recognized search and rescue program that operates in communities around the globe. Program participants wear a wristband with a small battery-operated transmitter that emits an FM radio signal every second, 24 hours a day.

When caregivers notify police that their loved one is missing, emergency services personnel will respond to the area where the person was last seen using a specialized mobile-location tracking system.

This system enables emergency services personnel to significantly reduce the time it takes to locate missing individuals – especially those with cognitive conditions like autism, Alzheimer’s, or dementia –and reunite them with their family safely.

In order to be eligible for Project Lifesaver, the participant must:

• Be living with a cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's, dementia, autism, or another condition that may place them at risk of wandering
• Obtain a letter from their physician
• Be monitored by a caregiver
• Reside with a caregiver or in the non-secure section of a facility
• Reside in Haldimand County
• Not be involved in unescorted activities that would increase the risk of wandering
• Not operate a motor vehicle

Caregivers can now register eligible individuals for the program by visiting haldimandcounty.ca/projectlifesaver and completing the online intake form. There is currently no cost to participate, as the wristbands and technology are provided by Project Lifesaver International.

“Project Lifesaver is a powerful addition to our emergency response toolkit. In Haldimand, we’re proud to work together across services to protect our most vulnerable residents and bring peace of mind to the families who care for them,” said Haldimand County Manager of Emergency Services and Fire Chief Jason Gallagher.

“Project Lifesaver is an invaluable tool that will help us quickly locate and safely return vulnerable individuals who may wander, providing peace of mind to their families and caregivers," said Haldimand County OPP Detachment Commander Andrew Fox.

For more information, and to apply to enroll in the program, visit haldimandcounty.ca/projectlifesaver.