Project Lifesaver launched

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 - 18:41

Albany county has launched a program called Project Lifesaver to help those afflicted with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, autism, Down syndrome, or similar disorders, which cause wandering and disorientation. A transmitter is attached to a client’s wrist or ankle to emit an FM frequency that can be located by sheriff’s rescue staff using specialized equipment.

According to Project Lifesaver International, 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. This is estimated to reach 15 million by 2030. Of these people, 59 percent develop the tendency to wander and, 72 percent of these wander repeatedly.

This program will limit the amount of time and money spent searching for a lost person, according to a release from the Albany County Sheriff’s Department, and will allow rescuers to find a client much faster than through ordinary methods, reducing the chances of danger or injury.

The program will be supported through forfeiture funds acquired as the result of drug, gambling, and other criminal activities and will be available everywhere in Albany County.

For further information, contact the Albany County Sheriff’s, Office of Emergency Management by phone at 720-8025 or by e-mail at or online at www.albanycountysheriff.com.

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