Project Lifesaver International, 2012 is Looking to be an Exceptional Year, 2,483 Successful Rescues & 53 New Agencies
A Non-Profit Organization with a Clear Mission to Provide: Safety, Security, and Rescue Services to "At-Risk" Individuals with Cognitive Disorders
STUART, Fla., Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Project Lifesaver International (PLI) is an innovative 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization that provides safety, security, and rescue support services to "at-risk" individuals of all ages, income levels, and backgrounds who have cognitive disorders. We do this by providing police, fire/rescue and other first responders with the technology and training to quickly locate and rescue individuals who tend to wander off from their caregivers, including those with Alzheimer's disease, Autism, and other related cognitive disorders.
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Rescues & Growth:
With the beginning of 2012 PLI reached a significant milestone with 2,483 successful rescues to date (02/06/2012). Additionally, since October 2011 PLI added 53 new agencies in local communities around the country. A number of these agencies received financial support from The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), which is a division of the US Department of Justice. This was possible because the PLI program is approved and supported by the BJA.
A Unique Non-Profit Community Program:
What uniquely sets PLI apart from the "for profit" companies attempting to provide these community services?
Project Lifesaver's leadership team is entirely made up of retired police executives. All of these individuals have spent their entire careers in public service and understand, all too well, the issues that an "at-risk" individual and their caregivers may have to deal with from time to time. Project Lifesaver's team also has first hand experience in the best methods of real world tracking and rescue services that first responders should employ when search, rescue, and recovery is required.
As a non-profit organization, Project Lifesaver does not view this important work as a "MARKET". Our clear and singular focus is on providing one of society's most vulnerable groups and their caregivers the support and protection they need. We see our mission as improving the quality of life to these high risk population's and bringing peace of mind to their caregivers. Our passion is safety, security, and protection, NOT PROFIT.
Training:
Because of our extensive experience regarding search and rescue of wanderers, Project Lifesaver provides valuable insight and information in the development of policy and best practices for policy makers both at the state and federal level in the search, rescue, and safe recovery of at risk wanders. PLI also helps in the development of materials and training programs to provide the necessary education of doctors, caregivers, school administrators, first responders/search personnel, and of course, the families with loved ones at risk. In fact, the Project Lifesaver's training program is recognized and approved by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Recently, PLI conducted a training session in Lynchburg, Virginia. During those sessions 15 officers from various Law Enforcement Offices, as well as VA Hospital staff were trained. Attendees came from 3 different states and the training program covered:
Project Lifesaver Search & Rescue Techniques
Hands on field training with the latest PLI equipment
Accessing and utilizing the new Project Lifesaver Database
Attendees were also trained in the methods necessary to communicate with a person who has Alzheimer's, autism, or a related cognitive disorder. Since locating the individual is only part of the mission and generally the individual who is located will be disoriented, anxious, and untrusting. The teams trained by Project Lifesaver know how to approach the individual, gain their trust and put them at ease for the trip home.
By the end of the training session 15 attendees were certified in the Basic Electronic Search Specialist Course and 12 attendees were certified in the Electronic Search Instructor Course.
Technology:
PLI utilizes Radio Frequency technology for a reason; because this is the tried and true technology of choice for law enforcement professionals undertaking this specific type of search and rescue operation. Unlike cellular and GPS technology, the radio frequency signal does not rely on fragile cellular networks or satellite signals that are weather dependent. Radio Frequency technology is reliable and can track an individual who wanders during adverse weather conditions, in water, in a densely wooded area, in a concrete or steel structure, or in a building.
PLI is continually adding enhancements and new features to their equipment. Recently redesigned radio directional technology was introduced which included a transmitter with a host of upgrades including but not limited to: an increased effective range up to as much as three hundred percent (300%) coupled with double the battery life (60 days), programmable custom frequencies, highly water resistant, shockproof, and temperature compensated to ensure that the signal does not drift when moving from indoor to outdoor situations.
Project Lifesaver is one of the fastest and most effective programs first responders can activate in the first critical minutes after a child is reported to be missing. At risk individuals enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled individual goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver trained emergency response team. To date Project Lifesaver has a 100% success rate with most who wander found within a few miles from home, and search times reduced from hours and days down to minutes. Recovery times by Project Lifesaver trained and equipped agencies average 30 minutes, which is 95% less time than standard operations.
For more information about Project Lifesaver International and its program and technology visit our website at www.projectlifesaver.org or contact:
SOURCE Project Lifesaver International
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