Agencies Train for Project Lifesaver
By CARRA HIGGINS, Staff WriterArticle Photos
Within approximately two months, Project Lifesaver can bring peace of mind to families of individuals with disabilities who wander from home or caregivers.
Randolph County Sheriff Jack Roy has already had several responses to the program and expects it to be "very active."
Project Lifesaver benefits those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury or other cognitive disabilities. Missing persons with the bracelet are typically found within 20 to 30 minutes after authorities with the equipment arrive, Roy said.
If the search goes beyond 45 minutes, Wood County will dispatch a helicopter to assist with the search, Roy explained.
"It's a real good thing for the safety of Alzheimer's, dementia and autistic patients," Roy said.
A band with a battery operated transmitter is placed on the Project Lifesaver client. If the person is missing, family or caregivers may call 911 to begin a search. Because Project Lifesaver is used throughout the United States and Canada, those with the transmitter can be found if they are traveling, explained Wood County Project Lifesaver Administrator Sue Patalano.
The monthly maintenance fee for the bracelet and transmitter is $10. The fee can be waived for financial reasons, Roy said.
Approximately $3,000 is needed to purchase the suggested starting number of 10 transmitters and donations and sponsorship will ensure Project Lifesaver can go fully operational in the county, Patalano said. County policies and procedures will also be established.
The Randolph County Sheriff's Department is the sponsoring law enforcement body for the equipment and two search receivers, funded by philanthropists John and Elizabeth Raese
Patalano suggests Valley Head as an ideal location for another receiver. By having a receiver in Valley Head the search for the missing person could begin faster, Patalano explained. A third receiver would cost approximately $2,200.
Other than helping save lives, Project Lifesaver saves time and manpower, which costs counties money, Patalano explained.
Members of the Elkins City Police, Randolph County Sheriff's Department and Valley Head Volunteer Fire Department received training Monday and Tuesday from the Wood County Sheriff's Department, which is the state coordinator for Project Lifesaver. Transmitters were placed throughout town and found using the search equipment.
"I think they did an exceptional job," Patalano said.
Upshur and Lewis counties are already operational with Project Lifesaver. Next month, the Wood County Sheriff's Department will train law enforcement in Tucker County. Pocahontas and Barbour counties do not have the program, according to Patalano.
Counties interested in implementing the Project Lifesaver program may call Patalano at 424-0187.
