"Project Lifesaver is for people who have cognitive impairment that makes them prone to wander," said Kelly Osborne, community services officer and Project Lifesaver coordinator with the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop J, Lancaster County. Now that the State Police officers serving in Lancaster are affiliated with Project Lifesaver, the service is available in all areas of the county.

Individuals who are enrolled with Project Lifesaver wear a bracelet connected to a transmitter set to a designated radio frequency assigned to that person. If the individual wanders, the battery-operated device emits a signal that can be traced by law enforcement. "Should a (participant) go missing, the caregiver calls a local police department. (Police officers) plug in the frequency to pick up that specific transmitter," explained Osborne, who noted that the equipment utilizes analog radio frequency because of its reliability. Osborne added that use of the system minimizes time and resources, needed to locate someone, and when it is employed, most participants who wander are found within 30 minutes.

In Lancaster County, Project Lifesaver was initiated by The Pilot Club of Lancaster, a service organization, in 2008. Pilot Club members connected with Chief Mark Pugliese of the West Hempfield Township Police Department. In 2012, the project launched from that location.

Full membership police agencies that house Project Lifesaver equipment, in addition to West Hempfield, are the Lancaster City Bureau, Elizabethtown Borough, Lititz Borough, Manheim Township, New Holland/Earl Township, Strasburg Borough, and West Lampeter Township. Other areas of Lancaster County are covered by Troop J, located at 2099 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. The program is funded by The Pilot Club and Camp Cadet of Lancaster County.

Osborne noted that people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, autism, Down syndrome, or traumantic brain injury are good candidates for this life-saving technology. Noting that many of these individuals are cared for at home, she said, "Because of their conditions, it is imperative that (these individuals) are found quickly. This program is like an additional safety net."

Families of Project Lifesaver participants complete an interview process and sign a contract saying they will abide by obligations, such as testing the bracelet battery daily. There is a cost to cover equipment, but Osborne noted that scholarships are available. "We don't want to turn anyone away because of finances," said Osborne.

To enroll an individual with Project Lifesaver, readers may call 443-224-0569 or 717-572-2682.