The Project Lifesaver program is operated by HSCSO & HSCDEM.  Hot Spring County initiated the program in 2010 by the work of a great group of parents and caregivers who saw the need.

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The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, autism, and other related conditions or disorders.

 

The task of searching for wandering or lost individuals with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down Syndrome, Dementia or other cognitive conditions is a growing and serious responsibility. Without effective procedures and equipment, searches can involve multiple agencies, hundreds of officers, countless man hours and thousands of dollars. More importantly, because time is of the essence, every minute lost increases the risk of a tragic outcome.​

 

Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area. Most who wander are found within a few miles from home, and search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. Recovery times for PLI clients average 30 minutes — 95% less time than standard operations.​

 

Residents interested in enrolling in the program are encouraged to call Chris Gaines with HSCDEM at (501) 229-9360 or email cgaines@hotspringdem.org

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