Project Lifesaver was established in April 1999 as an initiative of the 43^rd Search and Rescue Company of the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office. Project Lifesaver’s mission is to use state-of-the-art technology to assist those who care for victims of Alzheimer’s and other Related Mental Dysfunction Disorders (ARMD) and victims who become lost. These victims include the elderly and even the youngest in our community who are afflicted with Down syndrome, Autism, or developmental disorders. There are no boundaries-no one is immune!

The Project Lifesaver program places personalized radio transmitters on identified persons with ARMD who may wander away from the safety of their homes. These transmitters assist caregivers and local emergency agencies in locating those who cannot help themselves.

•  A large number of transmitters have been placed on those with Alzheimer’s. Dementia and children with Autism, Down syndrome, or developmental disorders.
•  Local emergency teams respond to calls resulting in an average rescue time of less than 30 minutes.

Project Lifesaver International is volunteer-staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Volunteers assist in all aspects of Project Lifesaver’s International. Project Lifesaver’s volunteers are important and new members are always welcome!

Funding for Project Lifesaver is a result of private and corporate donations and grants. Since Project Lifesaver International comprises mainly volunteers, donations are used directly for programs, rescues, and educational expenses.

What is Project Lifesaver?

Project Lifesaver is about people and partnerships. It is a proactive response to identifying citizens within (our) community who have been known to become confused, have a tendency to wander, and may not be able to return safely on their own. Individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism, Down’s Syndrome, and other such disorders can now be located through state-of-the-art technology. The program is run by members who are specially trained, not only in the use of electronic tracking equipment but also in ways to communicate with those that may be confused and disoriented.

Radio Technology and Rescue Team

The Project Lifesaver program consists of a small, personalized radio transmitter that is worn by the individual on their wrist or ankle that emits a tracking signal. When the individual goes missing, the caregiver notifies the Project Lifesaver agency and the rescue team will respond to the last known location of the individual and begin the search with the mobile locator tracking system. With this proven radio technology, search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. In over 1600 searches, there have been no reports of serious injury or death, and the recovery time has averaged less than 30 minutes.

Amid the dramatic increase of people with Alzheimer’s Disease, Down Syndrome, and Autism, Project Lifesaver has become one of the leading organizations addressing the need to protect these patients and bring comfort to their families and caregivers.

For additional information contact LT. Mark Harris, Person County Sheriff's Office at 336-597-0500.

Donations may be sent to:

Project Lifesaver International
815 Battlefield Blvd., South
Chesapeake, Virginia 23322