LETTER: Project Life Saver locates people who wander off

From Brad Emans, Hutchinson fire chief
and Dan Hatten, Hutchinson police chief
What started out as an idea after a tragedy several years ago is now a reality and ready to be implemented. It is called Project Life Saver. Not only is it a good idea and a good program, but the best part of Project Life Saver is we did not need any stimulus or bailout money to get it done!

What is Project Life Saver? It is a program that allows emergency service workers to locate missing people before any harm comes to them. Nationwide missing people are found within 30 minutes using Project Lifesaver. We will be able to accomplish that mission by placing a locating transmitter on the wrist (the device looks like a wrist watch and can only be removed with a scissor) of the various people that have an uncontrolled tendency to wander away. The traditional groups that we would be focusing on to assist with this device are the Alzheimer’s, dementia, Downs syndrome, and autistic citizens.

How does it work? The technology is rather simple. Each person enrolled in this program will receive their own transmitter with their own radio frequency located inside the watch-like device. If the person goes missing, emergency service is notified via a 911 call and we would simply punch in the frequency designated for that individual in our tracking device and then ultimately locate the individual before they are able to harm themselves.

Where can you get further information? You may contact McLeod County Sheriff Scott Rehmann, or any chief of police or fire chief in McLeod County.

Where do you sign up? We really have tried to make this as simple as possible, so here goes: If you live within the city limits of Hutchinson or for that matter any city in McLeod County, contact your chief of police. If you live in the rural area of McLeod County, contact our McLeod County Sheriff, who will take care of the paperwork.

What is the cost? We have a one-time cost for the transmitting device of around $300, which in all reality is a relatively small price to pay for the knowledge and peace of mind in knowing that we will have the ability to locate your loved one should they wander off. The good news — there is no monthly monitoring fee. However, we do require that you change the battery and replace the wristband monthly. This is to ensure that the device is still transmitting and that it is still in service.

Now, saying all of that, we think it is such an important project that we have decided that somehow, someway we will get you a locating device for your loved one if you absolutely cannot afford to pay for it.

As always, call if you have any questions.