Project Lifesaver

Project Lifsaver Logo

PROJECT LIFESAVER: PROTECTING OUR MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS

The Pompton Lakes Police Department Project Lifesaver program is a countywide emergency response locator service capable of finding individuals diagnosed with cognitive impairments which may cause them to wander and become lost.

Project Lifesaver combines proven radio technology and specially trained Pompton Lakes Police  search and rescue personnel from the Pompton Lakes Police Department.  Project Lifesaver clients wear a personalized one ounce battery operated transmitter bracelet which emits a tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day.  Transmitters are approximately the size of a quarter and each transmitter has its own unique frequency.

When a caregiver notifies the Pompton Lakes Police Department Dispatch Center (973-835-0400) that a Project Lifesaver client has wandered, specially trained Police Project Lifesaver personnel are immediately dispatched, and while in route to the client’s last reported location, activates a vehicle mounted locator tracking system and begins searching.  A hand-held mobile locator tracking unit is used for search areas inaccessible by vehicle.  The transmitter signal can be tracked on the ground or in the air from distances of up to several miles.
PROJECT LIFESAVER SEARCHES

The client’s transmitter, also known as the Personal Locator Unit (P.L.U.), emits a tracking signal every second.  This tracking signal allows responders to triangulate the client’s exact location and safely return them to their home or care facility, reducing caregiver concern, stress and worry.

Pompton Lakes Police Department Project Lifesaver personnel are specially trained, not only in search and rescue with the use of the electronic tracking equipment, but also in the methods necessary to communicate with a person who has a cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Autism, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, etc.

PROJECT LIFESAVER SAVES LIVES

Search times have been reduced from hours and/or days to minutes. In over 3,300 searches, Project Lifesaver International reports that there have been no reported serious injuries or deaths.  Recovery times average less than 30 minutes, nationwide. 

CRITERIA USED TO DETERMINE CLIENT ELIGIBILITY

•    Clients must be a resident of Pompton Lakes Borough.

•    Persons with a history of wandering related to cognitive impairments such as Autism, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, etc., should be considered for enrollment in Project Lifesaver.

•    Clients must have the informed consent of their legal guardian and/or caregiver

•    Caregivers/legal guardians must comply with their obligations and responsibilities in testing the transmitter on a daily basis making certain the battery is operational

•    Caregivers/legal guardians must understand and agree that the locating technology used in the Project Lifesaver program is not intended as a substitute for responsible childcare or caregiver practices.

•    The client is under constant supervision and monitoring by a responsible person: to prevent or reduce the risk of wandering and to ensure immediate reporting if the client is missing.

Clients, legal guardians and/or caregivers agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Pompton Lakes Police Department and the Borough of Pompton Lakes, their directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and members from and against all losses, liabilities, costs, damages, and expenses which may be sustained by an indemnified party arising from a negligent act or omission of the client, legal guardians and/or caregivers with the respect to their voluntary participation in the Project Lifesaver program.

CLIENT EQUIPMENT

The following equipment is provided to the caregiver upon enrollment into the PLPD Project Lifesaver program:

•    1 Transmitter (available in white)

•    1 Battery Tester

EQUIPMENT PURCHASE

The Pompton Lakes Police Department will provide equipment free of charge while funds are available.

MAINTENANCE

The wristband must be firmly fastened around the client’s wrist or ankle and not removed.  If removed, the client’s location cannot be determined.  The transmitter’s battery must be checked every day by the caregiver.  The Pompton Lakes Police Department will assign a trained professional to change the battery every 60 days as required maintenance.  This service will be provided to you free of charge.  The trained personnel can perform this maintenance at your home or at police headquarters.  Additional wristbands can be requested through the Police Department at (973) 835-0400, or by email: dclark@pomptonlakespolice.org.  Police Department Project Lifesaver personnel will demonstrate and explain proper wristband and transmitter maintenance to caregivers upon initial client enrollment.

PROJECT LIFESAVER ENDORSEMENTS

Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

National Aging In Place Council-Long Island Chapter

Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Missing Persons Clearinghouse

The National Sheriff’s Association

The New York State Sheriff’s Association

Pilot Clubs of Greater Long Island, Babylon, and Sayville

 


IMG_0056