Eau Claire County
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Project Lifesaver FAQ
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What is Project Lifesaver of Eau Claire County?
It is a rescue program for Eau Claire County’s most vulnerable individuals; both children and adults with a cognitive impairment or medical condition that puts them “at risk” to wander and become lost.
i.e. Alzheimer’s/dementia, Autism, Down Syndrome
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How does this program work?
Participants enrolled in the program will wear a wristwatch sized radio transmitter on their wrist or ankle. The transmitter constantly emits a VHF radio frequency signal, which can be tracked regardless of where the person has wandered. The VHF radio frequency signal enables their location to be tracked with specialized search equipment.
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How will this program save lives?
Project Lifesaver of Eau Claire County is affiliated with Project International (PLI), a community based, public safety, non-profit organization that provides law enforcement, fire/rescue, and caregivers with a program designed to protect, and when necessary, quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering.
The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide a timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury.
Over 3000 lives have been saved since Project Lifesaver began with an average recovery time of 30 minutes.
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How much does the program cost?
There is an initial startup fee set by Project Lifesaver International of $300.00. This is the cost of the transmitter, band, battery, and battery tester. The Eau Clarie County Sheriff’s Office charges a $10.00 a month enrollment fee. This fee goes back into the program ONLY to fund additional equipment including wristbands, batteries, battery testers, etc.
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How does one enroll in the program?
First you must be a resident of Eau Claire County to enroll. The enrollment process starts with a referral to the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office. Referrals can be made by Family Members, Caregivers, School Counselors, Medical Physicians, County/School Social Workers, ADRC, and First Responder Personnel (Law Enforcement/Fire/EMS) etc. Please complete the application pdf below or be redirected to the in-website application page. The PDF application can be mailed to the sheriff’s office for the attention of Deputy Melissa Solem or e-mailed to Deputy Melissa Solem at the e-mail below.
If you have further questions about the Project Lifesaver Program, please contact Deputy Melissa Solem Melissa.solem@eauclairecounty.gov.
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How do I donate to Eau Clarie County Project Lifesaver?
This program operates from donations made by the community.
Donations can be made by:
Mail- By mailing a check payable to the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office, 721 Oxford Avenue Suite 1400, Eau Claire WI, 54703
In Person- Bringing in a donation to the front desk of the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office located in the County Courthouse.