Project Lifesaver

My local city police began Project Lifesaver which is being used by people with diabilities who may wander off. These individuals who may lack communication skills may not be able to express where they should be. The individual wears a wristband like a watchband that has a transmitter and emits a constant tracking signal 24/7. When the caregiver discovers their loved one missing, they call the police with a special tracking unit that can quickly locate the missing person. Project Lifesaver has been endorsed by the National Sheriff's Association (NSA). People with Alzheimer's Disease, Autism, Down Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Soto Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, traumatic brain injuries or other conditions that cause wandering are using the device as an extra security.

At my son's school, they have had two special needs students go to the bathroom by themselves and then walk out right of the building. While in both cases, the students were found, it leaves a school administrator biting their nails until the student is located. I was very excited when our local police decided to join Project Lifesaver and signed up my son who has autism. Obviously, I was eager to participate in Project Lifesaver knowing that he could have walked out the building like the other students. He wears his wristband like a watch and thinks he is a Spykid2. The band is completely waterproof and can't be taken off unless cut off - just like a hospital band. More special needs students are using the Lifesaver bands and I imagine as the program becomes more visible with the community, it will grow.