Project Lifesaver, Designed For People With Cognitive Conditions, Launched In Paulding

PAULDING COUNTY, GA — Project Lifesaver, an international search and rescue program for public safety agencies, is now being used in Paulding County.

The nonprofit program is designed for "at risk" people who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering, allowing law enforcement, fire/rescue and caregivers to provide a timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander due to cognitive conditions.

Participants wear a transmitter roughly the same size as a standard wrist watch, affixed to their wrist or ankle. If the person goes missing or wanders off, a family member or caregiver contacts law enforcement, who can then track the missing participant from the transmitter.

The Paulding County Sheriff's Office was able to get the equipment at no cost to taxpayers, according to a news release. The Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging's Polk County office donated $10,000, and Emma's Emmbassadors donated $6,500 for the program.

Emma's Emmbassadors is a local nonprofit that helps with autism awareness in the community.

“We are so blessed to be able to help those with diminished capacity in our county. We are forever grateful to the Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging as well as Emma’s Emmbassadors for their generous donations," Paulding Sheriff Gary Gulledge said. "Without their donations, we likely could not have made this happen in our community."

Anyone interested in getting their loved one registered for Project Lifesaver in Paulding County or in donating money to the program is asked to call the Paulding sheriff's office at 770-443-3010. When calling, ask to speak with Sgt. Josh Keener or Detective Chris Van Meter.

For more information about Project Lifesaver, visit its website.