In the summer of 2002, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office sent officers out to search for a missing person. As the sun dropped, so did temperatures, and the hope of finding the missing woman.

This search differed from most, because the person was an elderly woman who suffered from Alzheimer’s and the officers didn’t have a clue as to where she had gone.

The search took 12 hours, lasting throughout the night, and finally the woman was found in the woods, exhausted and cold, but uninjured.

After this incident Sheriff Terry Surles began looking for ways that incidents like this could be prevented. His search led him to contact Project Lifesaver.

Utilizing tracking equipment, Project Lifesaver has the ability to locate patients that walk away from their home. The patient is fitted with a transmitter no bigger than a watch, which is worn on the wrist or ankle. The frequency is recorded by the attending agency, along with other pertinent information about the patient.

Should the patient walk away, their caregiver notifies the Sheriff’s Office and a search is begun immediately, using a tracking receiver. Ground or air patrol units can pick up the signal from the transmitter and the patient can be located quickly. Searches that would have lasted days can now be reduced to a matter of minutes.

“When someone wanders off, oftentimes we have absolutely no idea where they went,” St Clair County Sergeant Greg Walker said. “This transmitter gives us a location and a direction to travel in. It can seriously save lives.”

Since the implementation of Project Lifesaver, the Sheriff’s office has expanded its reach. It now can be used for dementia patients as well as children with special needs, all with no cost to the user.

The Sheriff’s Office has found great success with the program and currently has a waiting list of people who have requested transmitters. According to Walker, who serves as the Project Lifesaver Coordinator, the Sheriff’s Office is working with the County Commission to obtain the funds necessary to purchasing more tracking devices.

“I think providing people with this tool is important because it’s community-based,” Walker said. “We want to serve the community the best we can and this helps us do that by getting to clients that are not mentally capable of staying within safe boundaries. In situations like these, time is of the essence and Project Lifesaver is vital in allowing us to get to them as soon as possible.”

For those interested in learning more about the program or getting on the waiting list, contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office at (205) 594-2140 or (205) 884-6840.

The Sheriff’s Office was one of several local vendors that attended Lakeside Hospice’s Hearts Remember event this past weekend, held at CEPA. The event included live music, local vendors, a movie showing and a walk to honor those who have battled Alzheimer’s and the caregivers that have stood by their side.

“We are very happy with how this event went,” Lakeside Hospice Missions Coordinator Teresa Carden said. “We want these events to help raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, while honoring those who have it and recognizing all the dedication and caring that goes into being a caregiver.” 

Lakeside Hospice hosted Dr. Daniel C. Potts, who is an advocate for Alzheimer patients. His father suffered from Alzheimers and Dr. Potts has written books on the subject, with one specifically aimed at building up caregivers. 

“Events like this one are so important for communities to have,” Potts said. “Awareness is vital and it’s so great to see organizations like this host events for people to come out to. It educates while giving support to those who need it.”

Lakeside Hospice offers an array of services to those who have Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. For more information on Lakeside Hospice, visit.alabamalakesidehospice.com or call (205) 884-1111.