Project Lifesaver

About

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office is bringing the Project Lifesaver program to its service area. Designed to track and rescue individuals with cognitive conditions who tend to wander, the service answers a critical need for protecting people at risk for wandering, including those with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down Syndrome, and Dementia.

Project Lifesaver International, the leading organization in electronic Search and Rescue (SAR) programs, will conduct mandatory training and provide certification, ongoing management, and support to Clallam County Sheriff’s Office. The training includes teaching public safety officials how to use the equipment and how to gain the trust of and communicate with people who wander, as well as to ensure that caregivers are well versed in the program. All of which are essential to a successful rescue.

Project Lifesaver also develops public outreach programs to educate others about the issue of wandering, and they constantly work toward developing public policy and effective law enforcement response to help save lives and “bring loved ones home.”

“I am delighted that we can participate in this valuable program with our partners at the Sequim Police Department and look forward to expanding our partnership with all law enforcement agencies on the Olympic Peninsula. It is important that we continue outreach efforts to our elderly and vulnerable citizens” - Sheriff Bill Benedict

Costs

Through generous funding, we are able to keep the cost down to a one-time enrollment fee of $50.00.

The Guerin Family Foundation has donated significant funds to Clallam County Project Lifesaver Program, administered by the Sheriff’s Office. These contributions resulted, not only in the creation of the program, but it’s continued maintenance and expansion costs.

Enrollment

Prepare To Fill Out the Application

The application is a lengthy form (approximately 16 pages) requiring detailed medical and patient information. This information is vital when trying to locate a lost participant.

We suggest you have the following information in front of you before you begin the application process.

This is not a complete list of required data, only general areas covered on the application.

  • Primary and Secondary Caregiver Information (Name and Contact Information)
  • Additional Family Members/Caregivers (includes all family members in residence)
  • Participant Information: (examples)
    • History of Wandering
    • At-Risk Behaviors
    • Communication skills (Reading, Writing, Sign, Hearing Aids)
    • Health and Physiological Conditions (Overall Health, Medications, Primary Physician, Specialists)
    • Personality/Habits (Tobacco Use, Alcohol Use, Identifying Marks, Valued Items, Unusual Reactions)
    • Experiences/Training (Outdoor Classes, Military Experience, Swimming Skills)
    • Additional Contact Information (Family and Friends)
    • Any Other Information You Feel is important

Note: Please email questions to Lorraine Shore and include "Project Lifesaver Question" in the subject Line.

Photograph Requirement

To further assist with locating the participant if lost, a recent photograph is required. You have two options:

  • Take a photo (digital preferred) and bring it when you drop off your application at the Sheriff's Office.

or

  • Schedule a time to bring the Participant to Sheriff's Office, and we will take the picture for you.

Application Download

The Project Lifesaver Application is offered in popular PDF format. PDF files can be viewed on almost any computer with Adobe's free Adobe Reader application.Get Adobe Reader

We suggest the following to expedite the process:

  1. Gather all suggested information suggested above.
  2. Download the Project Lifesaver Application Form (PDF) to your computer in an easy to find location.
  3. Open and review the application for any additional questions or facts needed.
  4. Locate any additional information needed.
  5. Print and complete the application.
  6. Contact the Sheriff's Office to set up an appointment

Note: If you type on the application on your computer, print before closing it. When it is closed, all your typed information will be lost.

Submittal and Process

Contact Lorraine Shore, Project Lifesaver Administrator, at 360-417-2262 to schedule an appointment. 

Foundation Funding

Since 2006, the Guerin Family Foundation has donated significant funds to the City of Sequim Project Lifesaver Program, administered by the Sequim Police Department. These contributions resulted, not only in the creation of the program but its maintenance and expansion to include the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office. Without the generous support of the Guerin Family Foundation, this crucial program would not have been established in Sequim, nor would it have been nearly as proactive or as successful in helping to safeguard the well-being of the less fortunate of our citizens. The Project Lifesaver Program not only helps to locate missing persons afflicted with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive disorders, but it provides a measure of comfort and a sense of security for the caregivers and family members of the Project Lifesaver clients.

For more information, please contact Project Lifesaver at 1-877-580-LIFE (5433) or the Community Policing Service Coordinator at 360-417-2376 or visit the Project Lifesaver website.

How Does Project Lifesaver Work?

Clients enrolled in the service will wear a wrist-watch-sized radio transmitter on their wrist or ankle. The transmitter constantly emits a radio frequency signal, which can be tracked regardless of where the person has wandered, even into a densely wooded area, a marsh, a concrete structure such as a garage, or a building constructed with steel. When someone goes missing, caregivers notify the appropriate locally trained law enforcement agency and they are dispatched to the area. The average rescue time is approximately a half hour.

The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for signing up individuals West of Deer Park and have trained 19 Project Lifesaver Certified Search Specialists consisting of both Deputies and Volunteers who are certified to use the Project Lifesaver equipment.

Requirements: Client

  • Live in Clallam County West of Deer Park.
  • Be medically diagnosed with a cognitive impairment or related diagnosis.
  • Be willing to wear a wristband transmitter at all times.
  • Have a history of wandering.
  • Have a caregiver providing constant supervision.

Responsibilities: Caregiver

  • Test the client’s radio transmitter battery and check the condition of the bracelet daily.
  • Maintain a monthly log sheet provided by the Project Lifesaver Team.
  • Schedule monthly battery change with CCSO Project Lifesaver Volunteer.
  • Notify Project Lifesaver Team promptly if there is an equipment problem.
  • Call 911 immediately if a Project Lifesaver client goes missing.