-
Jamie Smith tbnewswatch.com
LSRU volunteers train on Project Lifesaver at Confederation College Tuesday afternoon.
A new project for the local search and rescue unit could save countless lives of those suffering from autism and Alzheimer's.
Project Lifesaver International is a non-profit US-based initiative that uses a tracking device to find autistic children and those suffering from dementia who have wandered off from their homes. Lakehead Search and Rescue Unit vice-president Barrie Pauluk said he’s already heard from families excited to become part of the program.
"The goal is to provide wristbands for as many autistic children and Alzheimer's patients as we possibly can afford and hopefully we’ll be able to save some lives," said Pauluk. "They can’t sleep at night they’re worrying about their children sneaking out and then running away during the night."
So far the program has a 100 per cent success rate and can usually find a person within 30 minutes.
The person wears a band around their wrist, ankle on clothing or in a backpack. That band sends out a signal, each with its own frequency, 24 hours a day. Search and rescue workers can then track that signal. Pauluk likens it to an emergency location transmitter on an airplane.
"The goal is to have the band with the person at all times," Pauluk said.
LSRU have two units so far, each around $900. The non-profit company is hoping to purchase more. Bands are around $300. Pauluk said families can purchase one through the LSRU. If a family can’t afford it, Pualuk said the LSRU will try to fund as many bands as possible.