Alzheimer’s Patient Wandered From HomePress Release 06/25/2012Marshfield Fire DepartmentIncident Press Release
Date of Incident: June 25, 2012 Type: Missing Person Time of Alarm: 18:33Location: In the area of Moraine St. Apparatus at the scene: 1 Engine, 1 Paramedic Ambulance, 1 command Car Number of Firefighters at the scene: 5
How alarm was received: 911 Arrived at scene: 1836 Located at: 18:42 Firefighter injuries: 0 Civilian Injuries: 0 Nature of the Incident: Alzheimer’s patient wandered from home ________________________________________________________________________ Narrative: Shortly after 6:30 pm the Marshfield Fire and Police Departments were called by family members reporting their father missing. The 79 year old male, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, was missing from his home for approximately 15 minutes before the 9-1-1 call was made. Fire Department Paramedics Gary Richard and John Taylor along with Police Officers Michael Gonsalves and Tim Kelly responded and were able to locate the missing man within minutes of beginning their search using specialized SafetyNet Tracking tracking equipment. The missing man, who was enrolled in the SafetyNet Program and was wearing a radio transmitter bracelet, was found unhurt a short distance from his home, having wandered through the woods.
SafetyNet is a program provided Tracking which provides tracking devices for families who have family members who are at risk of wandering off or becoming lost. Marshfield Fire Chief Kevin Robinson wants the public to know what a valuable service SafetyNet is in locating at risk persons; like those diagnosed with Autism or Alzheimer’s who may be confused or who may not be able to protect themselves from the environment (e.g. last weeks extreme heat). This type of equipment helps rescuers quickly locate missing people and prevents the tragic endings which can be common in this type of emergency. Both the Marshfield Fire and Police Departments are equipped with the tracking equipment and this is not the first time the agencies have successfully used the equipment to locate a missing person. Captain Anthony Boccuzzo Marshfield Fire Department |
