Plymouth County Sheriff Uses SafetyNet Tracking Service to Locate Alzheimer’s Resident Unharmed; Had Wandered from Halifax HomePress Release 11/30/2011Plymouth County Sheriff Uses SafetyNet Tracking Service to Locate Alzheimer’s Resident Unharmed; Had Wandered from Halifax Home
PLYMOUTH, MA – November 30, 2011 – Deputies from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s department and Halifax Police successfully deployed Tuesday night to locate an elderly Halifax resident who had wandered from home, using a new device that allowed searchers to locate the missing man in a matter of minutes. Local officials reported the 79-year-old man missing shortly after 5 p.m. yesterday, officials said. Specially trained responders arrived on scene and located the man, unharmed, in a wooded area about a quarter mile from his back door. “As soon as we arrived, we were able to pick up a strong radio signal from the SafetyNet Tracking device,” said James Muscato, Superintendent for Law Enforcement at the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department. “We followed the signal with the tracking receiver (and) he was right there in some briars, but otherwise OK.” Muscato said from the initial notification to finish, the rescue took only 45 minutes. The Tuesday event was the first time public safety officials have successfully activated the tracking device since being implemented countywide last April. The Sheriff’s Department, local police departments and SafetyNet have worked together to bring the service to 23 out of 27 communities in Plymouth County. The SafetyNet service provides law enforcement with the tools and training to more effectively find and rescue individuals who could or are prone to wandering and becoming lost. It also helps caregivers provide an added layer of protection for loved ones with cognitive conditions from the life-threatening behavior of wandering.
To maximize resources, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department has trained and certified 20 Deputies on the SafetyNet service. The service will be used to supplement traditional search and rescue operations conducted by local police and fire departments. Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald Jr. said the rescue proved the value of the new program, which partners his officers with local police to rapidly respond to wandering situations where moments become vital. “This partnership makes it easy to maximize manpower and ensure a fast response. With six rescue receivers in place around the county, searchers are able to grab the closest kit and go.”
Once a caregiver enrolls their loved one in the service, they receive a SafetyNet Bracelet, which is worn by the person at risk typically on their wrist or ankle. The caregiver provides information about the client to assist in search and rescue, which is then entered into a secure database. SafetyNet provides 24x7 emergency caregiver support.
The SafetyNet Bracelet constantly emits a Radio Frequency signal. Radio Frequency is the technology of choice because, unlike cellular and GPS technology, its signal doesn’t rely on cellular networks or satellite signals and can often be tracked when a client wanders into a shallow body of water, a densely wooded area, a concrete structure such as a garage, or a building constructed with steel.
The SafetyNet certified training for law enforcement agencies focuses on its specialized electronic equipment, technology, procedures and on how to effectively communicate with and approach individuals who have cognitive conditions. SafetyNet’s secure database contains information on each individual client enrolled in the service so that the search and rescue team can have information on the individual’s personal habits and how he or she should be approached, spoken to and comforted.
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