Q:  Who is eligible for the program?

A:  Any person who has been diagnosed with a disorder (i.e. Autism, Alzheimer’s disease, etc) that forces them to wander and medication cannot control their wandering could be considered a potential candidate for the program.

Q:  How do I apply?

A:  To apply for the program simply complete the Project Lifesaver Potential Client Intake Form or call 317-246-6273 and a representative will complete one with you over the phone.  Once completed, your information will be reviewed by our department and an officer will contact you for a follow-up.  Provided your loved one qualifies, a Project Lifesaver Questionnaire will be sent to you for completion.  Once this is returned and the sponsoring agency approves the application, and representative will contact you for a face to face meeting.

Q:  What happens after this application process?

A:  After being approved as an applicant, a Project Lifesaver coordinator or Agency Representative will meet with you and your loved one for a face to face meeting.   They will show you the equipment and how it works.  During this meeting you will sign a contract acknowledging your acceptance and participation of the program. Your loved one will them be fitted for a transmitter and on that day, be entered into the program and into the databases.

Q:  What things would disqualify my loved one from the program?

A:  If your loved one has unrestricted access to the outside and is able to come and go as they please, or if your loved one still drives a vehicle they would not qualify.  Project Lifesaver only works if the caregiver will contact 911 immediately upon learning their loved one has wandered.  The more time that goes by the less effective Project Lifesaver will be.

Q:  How much does it cost?

A:  The Project Lifesaver Program is completely funded 100% by Project Lifesaver Indianapolis.  We do not ask for any money from the client or caregiver. Families and Caregivers can donate to the program at any time if they so choose.

Q:  How does the program work?

A:  Once your loved on is entered into the program, they will wear a tracking bracelet on their wrist or ankle 24 hours a day.  This bracelet emits a signal every second, so if they wander, Search and Rescue with specialized equipment can track them to their location.  Your loved one’s information will be disseminated to all search and rescue resources no matter where you’re loved one may go, an officer can get their information and picture. 

The program works by the equipment receiving a signal from your loved one’s unique transmitter.  This equipment locks onto their signal and provided officers with a direction. Using triangulation and advanced search and rescue techniques an average person can be located in less than 30 minutes with limited resources and manpower.

Q:  Has anyone not been found?

A:  Nationally, there have been over 1800 searches with an average search time of 22 minutes and 100% of the clients have been found alive.

Q:  What do I, as their caregiver, have to do?

A:  As the caregiver for a loved one who suffers from wandering, we know you are already under a lot of stress.  Therefore, we do not ask too much of you. All we ask is three things: 

1. That you will check the battery of the transmitter once a day.  This is as simple as holding up a battery tester to the bracelet and observing that a light turns on. 
2. That you will contact the Project Lifesaver Coordinator if the battery is not working or any other technical problems exist.
3. That you will contact 911 immediately if your loved one wanders.

Q:  What do you, as a Project Lifesaver agency promise?

A:  As Project Lifesaver Indianapolis, we promise 3 things:

1. That we will change the battery once a month by going out to your loved one’s school or home address.
2. That we will troubleshoot and repair/replace any defective equipment.
3. That we will search for your loved one if you call that they are missing.

Q:  Is there a guarantee that the person wearing the transmitter will be located?

A:  Project Lifesaver agencies have achieved an extremely successful recovery rate; there is no one who can give such a guarantee. It doesn't make any difference what technology or procedures are used. Each search for a missing person involves different variables; after all, we are dealing with a person, which in itself makes these incidents unpredictable. However, we do feel strongly that Project Lifesaver has the best equipment and procedures to increase the likelihood of bringing your loved ones home.

Q:  Does Project Lifesaver replace other means of keeping loved ones that wander safe?

A:  No.  Project Lifesaver should be seen as a last resort.  Project Lifesaver should be considered after other attempts of keeping your loved ones safe (i.e. fences, audible door alarms, etc).  Remember, Project Lifesaver is only another tool to help keep your loved one safe.

Q:  What else does the Project Lifesaver Program do for the community?

A:  Often caregivers are already overtaxed with worry about their loved ones.  They also do not have a lot of money to care for their loved ones.  They will also work with local agencies to help assist in additional ways to keep their loves ones safe.

Q:  Can I donate any money to help improve the Project Lifesaver Program?

A:  Donations are appreciated and accepted.  Wayne Township Fire Inc serves as the Non Profit 501c3 corporation.  Any donations are completely tax deductible.  Anyone interested in donating can contact the Project Lifesaver 317-246-6273