Buffalo Hospital Foundation Brings Project Lifesaver to Wright County
BUFFALO, Minn. 02/18/2009--Buffalo Hospital Foundation is proud to announce Project Lifesaver is now available in Wright County, thanks to generous donations from our community.
Project Lifesaver uses state-of-the-art technology to rapidly locate lost children and adults dealing with autism, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
Police and firefighters from Buffalo, Delano, St. Michael, Howard Lake, Annandale and Wright County Sheriff's Department trained during the week of Feb. 16 learning how to use the equipment, as well as how to interact best with people with conditions like Alzheimer's and autism. At the end of the training and testing, individuals are certified as electronic search specialists.
"This is just one more way for Buffalo Hospital Foundation to reach out to save lives," says Karla Heeter, Buffalo Hospital Foundation executive director. "We are honored to partner with the Wright County Sheriff's department and local fire and police departments to bring this life-saving technology and training to our community."
Buffalo Hospital Foundation raised money throughout the past year to bring Project Lifesaver to Wright County. The Community Health Foundation of Wright County, Elim Care Corporation, Wright Hennepin Operation Roundup and Buffalo Fire Department all generously donated to this initiative.
About Project Lifesaver
Project Lifesaver relies on proven radio technology and a specially trained search and rescue team. Participants wear a personalized watch-sized transmitter, either on their wrist or ankle. The band emits a tracking signal and is worn at all times. In the event the person becomes lost, emergency teams are notified and a search and rescue team responds. The wristband's signal can be tracked from about one to miles on the ground, or up to 10 miles by air. As each bracelet has a unique radio frequency, the Project Lifesaver search team positively locates and identifies the person who has wandered away from home or a care facility.
Search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. Nationally, in over 300 searches, there have been no reported serious injuries or deaths. Recovery times average less than 30 minutes.
How to apply
To apply for Project Lifesaver, call Wright County Human Services at 763-682-7875. A case aid will share information about the program, the leased bracelet (transmitter) and answer any questions you may have. The cost of the bracelet for the first year is $300 (includes leased bracelet, batteries, wrist bands and other necessary supplies). Each following year the cost will be $85 to cover the batteries and wrist bands. Financial assistance is available. Once the application is turned in, Wright County Human Services will contact applicant regarding status of application. If approved, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office will schedule a time to meet with you and the participant to show how the bracelet works, how to test the battery and record daily readings. They will also schedule monthly visits to replace the battery in the bracelet and update the participant’s file.
About Buffalo Hospital
Buffalo Hospital is a not-for-profit regional medical center committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health of the communities it serves in and around Wright County. Part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, information about Buffalo Hospital's services along with the latest health information can be found online at www.buffalohospital.org.
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Related Links
Buffalo Hospital Foundation
Buffalo Hospital: Community partnerships
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