Project Lifesaver Has Been Protecting & Rescuing Individuals With Cognitive Disorders for More Than 20 Years A Non-Profit Organization with a Clear & Singular Mission Words by; Gene Saunders*, CEO/Founder Project Lifesaver International I established Project Lifesaver International in 1999 when it became apparent that there was a void that needed to be filled in providing search, rescue and protection for “At Risk” individuals who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. Project Lifesaver is a 501 (C) (3) community based, public safety, non-profit organization that provides law enforcement, fire/rescue and other first responders with a comprehensive program for the search and rescue of individuals with cognitive disorders including those with Alzheimer’s disease and Autism, Project Lifesaver was the first organization to apply tracking technology for the search and rescue of individuals with cognitive disorders and we have remained the leader, the Gold Standard, in this field for the past 20 years. Because of our extensive experience in search and rescue of wanderers, Project Lifesaver has provided valuable insight and information in the development of policy and sound practices for search, rescue, and safe recovery of at-risk wanders. We help in the development of materials and training programs to provide the necessary education of doctors, caregivers, school administrators, first responders/search personnel, and of course, the families with loved ones at risk. In fact, Project Lifesaver is a subject matter expert and advisor on the wandering issue for: Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer’s disease (LEAD), National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Alzheimer’s Foundation, and the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA). Project Lifesaver’s training program is recognized and approved by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and National Preparedness Institute of Indian River State College. What has made our approach unique is that we have created an entire education and training program that include; locating techniques & technology, partnering with local first responders and educating those public safety agencies on the latest information related to the populations they will protecting. We train those first responders to approach the “at risk” individual, understanding their symptoms and behaviors, and then gain their trust in order to put them at ease. Project Lifesaver member agencies have rescued nearly 4000 at risk individuals (and this number is growing with each passing day). The program is now in over 1,600 agencies covering all 50 states and throughout all of the Canadian Provinces. * Gene Saunders is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Project Lifesaver International. He is a military veteran and a retired law enforcement Captain. During the past 20 years, following his retirement, he has dedicated his life to safety and protection of at risk individuals with cognitive conditions who are prone to wandering. Contact: Project Lifesaver International 201 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd #203 Port St. Lucie, Florida 34984 772.446.1273 www.projectlifesaver.org Jan21072
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