Project Lifesaver now up in Almaguin and Parry Sound

Project Lifesaver is up and running in Almaguin Highlands and West Parry Sound.

Project Lifesaver is a radio frequency-based tracking system. The technology has been around for many years. It is accurate, simple, and dependable. 

See: Missing woman in 90s with dementia located safely using Project Lifesaver

The system is for high-risk, vulnerable people of all ages. They must have a tendency to "wander" and have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other dementias, Autism, Down Syndrome, or other form of cognitive delay.

Project Lifesaver clients wear a personalized wristband that emits a unique tracking signal. When caregivers notify police that the person is missing, in addition to regular police resources, Project Lifesaver trained OPP officers respond to the area where the lost person was last seen and searches the area with a mobile location tracking system.

The Project Lifesaver wristband is a one-ounce, battery-operated wrist transmitter emitting a unique FM radio frequency-based signal that emits a signal every second, 24 hours a day.

The signal can be tracked on the ground for approximately 2.5 kilometers, or in the air from the helicopter, approximately 8-10 kilometres. As each wristband has a unique radio frequency, the Project Lifesaver team can positively locate and identify the person who has wandered away from home using portable directional antennae to locate the signal. The transmitter (in the bracelet) is powered by a battery that is changed approximately every 60 days. Caregivers are provided with a battery tester and are required to manually test the battery daily.

The receivers work with two interchangeable antennas. The "Omni" antenna has a magnetic base that allows it to be secured to the roof of responding OPP vehicles. It has less range than the "Yagi" antenna but does allow for the transmitted signal to be received from any direction, making it an ideal option for mobile sweeps of search areas. Once a signal is picked up with the Omni antenna, there is then a switch to the Yagi antenna from that location.

The primary antenna is the "Yagi" style antenna. The Yagi makes use of the maximum range of the bracelets and has the advantage of being directional. Police responders can determine the direction and approximate distance of the transmitter from their own positions.

Radio vs. GPS

GPS is the most accurate navigation system in the world, but the navigation signals are feeble and can be difficult to locate in blocked environments, such as inside buildings or structures.

The clients that are registered with Project Lifesaver do not exhibit traditional lost person characteristics and often do not realize they are, in fact, lost. Oftentimes, they will wander into areas where GPS signal penetration is very poor such as underground parking, dense bush, or inside structures. These are reasons why the radio frequency-based Project Lifesaver system is beneficial for these applications.

The task of searching for wandering or lost individuals with Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome, dementia, or other cognitive conditions is a growing and serious responsibility. Without effective procedures and equipment, searches can involve multiple agencies, hundreds of officers, countless man hours, and thousands of dollars.

More importantly, because time is of the essence, every minute lost increases the risk of a tragic outcome. Most who wander are found within a few kilometers from home, and search times when using Project Lifesaver have been reduced from hours and days, to minutes. Recovery times for Project Lifesaver clients average 30 minutes - 95 per cent less time than standard operations.

The Almaguin Highlands and West Parry Sound OPP is still in charge of the search, and will still conduct "business as usual", by calling out all applicable resources, like the Emergency Response Team, Canine Unit, Helicopter, etc. 

"Project Lifesaver is just another tool in the toolbox to assist us", says Staff Sergeant Doug Vincer from the Almaguin Highlands OPP. "And a great tool it is."

For more information, see  www.projectlifesaver.org

For information on enrolling someone in Almaguin Highlands, contact the Parry Sound District Paramedic Service - Community Paramedicine Program, 705-746-8844.