Please go to the Project Lifesaver Saskatoon website for more detailed information about the program, client criteria and how to enrol your loved one.
History
Almost 2/3 of SSAR activations over the past several years have been for searches for people who are in a vulnerable state including persons with dementia, autism or other cognitive disorders. Recognizing a unique need in the community, Saskatoon Search and Rescue sought funding and support for Project Lifesaver.
On April 21, 2017, the Saskatoon Police Service Foundation announced they would be providing funding to Saskatoon Search and Rescue (SSAR) for Project Lifesaver, a program that assists in locating missing persons who are known to wander. The program is a joint initiative between SSAR and the Saskatoon Police Service.
This was the inaugural fundraising initiative conducted by the Foundation. The Foundation is an incorporated, not-for-profit, community-led organization. It is dedicated to raising funds to support projects that contribute to community safety.
Saskatoon Search and Rescue has since received funding from SaskTel, the SaskTel TelCare program, Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation and many other businesses, organizations, and private donations to purchase additional equipment for Project Lifesaver and to help families in need in Saskatoon.
What Is Project Lifesaver and How Does It Work? (from the Project Lifesaver International website www.projectlifesaver.org)
Project Lifesaver transmitter bracelet.
The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, autism, and other related conditions or disorders.
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.
Working hand in hand with trained public safety agencies, Project Lifesaver International (PLI) will help you save time, money and most importantly, your loved ones.
SSAR member with transceiver used to located missing person with Project Lifesaver transmitter.
Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area. Most who wander are found within a few miles from home, and search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. Recovery times for PLI clients average 30 minutes — 95% less time than standard operations.