Frankfort Police remind residents applications are available for Project Lifesaver, an initiative designed for those with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Down Syndrome and autism and their caregivers.According to the Frankfort Police Department’s Project Lifesaver Project Coordinator Colleen Moore, those dealing with cognitive disorders wear transmitters that allow first responders to find them quicker if they wander.
“Worn on individuals’ wrists or ankles 24/7, the transmitters emit an individualized tracking signal. If a program participant goes missing, the caregiver notifies us as a Project Lifesaver agency and a trained emergency team responds to the missing person’s area.
“Fortunately, most folks are found a few miles from home. Recovery times for Project Lifesaver clients average 30 minutes; 95 percent less time than standard situations. That time saved could be the difference between a loved one being returned home safely and a tragic outcome,” Moore explained.
Applications are available to download on the Police Department’s section of the City’s Web site: http://frankfort-in.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/cc-pls-application.pdf with hard copies also available at the Police Department, 201 West Washington Street.
“We currently have one individual with a transmitter and I just received an application for another person. Our first transmitter was issued in April 2015. This tool should never be a substitute for actual hands on care,” Moore said.
Back in 2014, Clinton County Sheriff Jeff Ward spearheaded the effort to bring the Project Lifesaver initiative to the area to provide specific training for police, fire, EMS, corrections officials and dispatchers regarding searches for at-risk adults and children.
The Healthy Communities of Clinton County Coalition, Clinton House Health & Rehabilitation Center, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and the Frankfort Police Department partnered together on the launch of Project Lifesaver program four years ago.