Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

December 9, 2009, Front Page

Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Project Lifesaver Now available in Clark County

Clark County Emergency Medical Services personnel received training on how to use a mobile tracking system designed to help find individuals who have wandered.  The training was the project Lifesaver program, which will now be available in Clark County.  (Photo by Peter Spicer/Clark County Press)

By Peter Spicer

Clark County will now be one of the counties throughout the state to implement Project Lifesaver. 

The Project Lifesaver program, a national program locally sponsored by the Clark County Emergency Services Association and Clark County Aging and Disability Resource Centers, is designed to locate those with cognitive conditions who may wander.

Many generous donations from county business, citizens and foundations helped raise $6,200 for the program. 

The service answers a critical need for protecting people at risk of wandering, including those with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down syndrome and Dementia, according to Clark County Sheriffs Department Chief Deputy Jim Backus.

Project Lifesaver of Clark County enables individuals enrolled in the program to wear a personalized wristband that emits a silent tracking signal every second, 24 hours each day.  When caregivers notify law enforcement the person is missing, specially trained Sheriff’s Department officers respond and search for the person using a mobile tracking system.

The trained personnel begin the search from where the missing person was last seen and can use the tracking system to locate the person up to a one-mile radius from where the equipment is being used, said Backus, who explained it’s important for the client to notify law enforcement as soon as possible when a person is missing. 

Although there is no guarantee of finding the person, even with the mobile tracking system, the program does increase the chances of the person being found, said Backus.

The average search and rescue time is under 30 minutes. The Project Lifesaver program has conducted over 1,900 searches nationally.

Those requesting the service will pay a monthly fee of $30; assistance may be available to help with the cost.  Project Lifesaver of Clark County will pay the start-up fee.

To be eligible for the program, the person must be a Clark County resident and have a diagnosed condition with a history of wandering.

During enrollment into the program, an initial assessment is done to determine eligibility.  Once approved, a trained staff member will place the bracelet on the person.  Staff will make monthly visits to ensure the equipment is working properly.

The equipment, which the county is currently renting, will be stored in three county locations, including Neillsville, Greenwood and Owen.  Clark County is one of 14 counties, along with Wood County, located within the state to have the Project Lifesaver program.

County emergency medical services personnel received training Monday, Nov. 30, at the Clark County Courthouse on how to use the mobile tracking system.

To enroll in the Project Lifesaver program or for more information about it, call the Aging and Disability Resource Center toll-free at 866-578-2372 or 715-743-5166.

Funds will continue to be needed to continue the Project Lifesaver program.  For information about donating, call the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, toll-free at 1-800-743-2400.