[Skip to Content]

International Project Lifesaver Logo

 

What is Project Lifesaver?

www.projectlifesaver.org

Project Lifesaver is a proactive electronic tracking program used to assist in locating people with Alzheimer’s disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and other cognitive disorders who wander from home and become lost.  A person with a cognitive disorder who wanders away and becomes lost constitutes a critical emergency and presents challenges to law enforcement in search and rescue operations.  While we cannot predict when a person becomes lost, we can prepare for it.

The Berks County Sheriff’s Office in partnering with Project Lifesaver has launched a planned response to all missing persons with cognitive disorders who join the program. Those who join the program are then considered Project Lifesaver “Clients”. In the event that a client becomes lost the Berks County Sheriff’s Office will send trained deputies with tracking equipment to help assist in locating the missing person.

How does Project Lifesaver work?

Clients in the program are provided a battery powered transmitter the size of a wrist watch which emits a constant radio signal 24-hours a day.  Once the Berks County Sheriff’s Office is notified that a Project Lifesaver client is missing, deputies identify the signal from a specialized directional antenna and are able to track the missing person.  Since 1999 there have 3000 successful searches using Project Lifesaver equipment with an average recovery time of 30 minutes.

Joining Project Lifesaver…

We will assist you in joining the program and obtaining the Project Lifesaver transmitter.  We will coordinate monthly servicing of the transmitter to ensure that it is working properly and that the information for the client is current.  All information for the client is confidential and is only used for emergency situations.  Access to client information is restricted to law enforcement, rescue, and EMS personnel.


If you would like more information or know of someone who would benefit from this program please contact:


Sergeant Brian Boyer

610-478-6240 x3226

bboyer@countyofberks.com