Suffolk County            Sheriff's Office

How to Enroll in Project Lifesaver

 

Enrollment applications can be obtained by calling (631) 852-3003. Your enrollment application must be completed and submitted to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office at 100 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901. Once your application is reviewed, an appointment will be made for a home visit by a Project Lifesaver specialist from the Sheriff’s Office.

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How to Purchase Project Lifesaver Equipment

The purchase of enrollment equipment is coordinated through the Sheriff’s Office once the client’s application is approved.

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Cost to Enroll

The transmitter, transmitter case, transmitter tester, battery and wristband costs $300.00 (approximately), plus shipping & handling. The battery and wristband has to be changed monthly or bi-monthly (depending on transmitter) and a new battery and wristband installed. This costs about $5.00 each month.

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Monthly Maintenance

Monthly and/or yearly battery and wristband purchases may be requested by calling the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office at (631) 852-3003.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What is Project Lifesaver? 

Project Lifesaver is a rapid-response program that aids clients (and their families) who wander as a result of cognitive impairments, or other afflictions.

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Who sponsors Project Lifesaver? 

Project Lifesaver is sponsored by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office as well as non-profit organizations who make donations to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Foundation for Project Lifesaver.

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How does Project Lifesaver work?  

The program combines technology and specially trained Sheriff’s Deputies to locate individuals who have wandered.  Project Lifesaver clients wear a “watch-type” wristband transmitter (worn on the wrist, ankle or as a necklace), which emits a tracking signal.  When a caregiver calls the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver line to report that a client has wandered, a search team responds to the wanderer’s area and, while in route, activates the vehicles mobile locator tracking system. A hand-held unit is used to search for clients in areas inaccessible by vehicles.

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How much does Project Lifesaver cost? 

There is a one-time cost of approximately $300 (plus tax and shipping) for the transmitter, tester, battery and wristband strap.

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How long does it take to enroll in Project Lifesaver? 

Applications can be requested by calling 631-852-3003. A Sheriff’s Deputy will then meet with the potential client/caregiver/family member making certain that the area is safe for the potential client and to assist with the necessary paperwork and instructions.

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How long does it take for the Project Lifesaver program to begin? 

Once you have met with a member of the Project Lifesaver Bureau and have the necessary equipment (transmitters take up to 2-4 weeks to ship), the program starts immediately.

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How is the initial equipment purchased? 

The purchase of Enrollment Equipment is coordinated through the Sheriff’s Office once the client’s application is approved.

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How is monthly maintenance equipment purchased? 

Caregiver purchase requests for batteries and wristbands, for monthly maintenance, can be obtained by calling 631-852-3003, or by email at: lifesaver@suffolkcountyny.gov, or through a registered Project Lifesaver International sponsor, or care facility.

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What happens if someone wanders?

Caregivers must immediately notify the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver emergency response line (631-852-2791), and dial “911.”

 

Project Lifesaver Bringing Loved Ones Home

 

How long does it take to locate a missing client?

Nationally, response times vary, but average under 30 minutes.

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How frequently should a transmitter battery be changed? 

Batteries emit a signal every second (24/7) and must be changed monthly.

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Is the transmitter waterproof? 

Yes.  Clients can shower and swim while wearing the transmitter.

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Is the client’s transmitting equipment covered by insurance as a medical necessity? 

Check with your insurance carrier.  If necessary, the Sheriff's Office can provide documentation to the insurance carrier that the client in question is enrolled in the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Project Lifesaver Program.

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What happens if something goes wrong with my equipment? 

Call the Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver line immediately (631-852-2791).

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What happens if the transmitter is lost? 

Call the Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver line immediately (631-852-2791).

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Are there other Project Lifesaver programs? 

Project Lifesaver began in the Sheriff’s Office, Chesapeake, Virginia in 1999 and is now in over 1,300 Sheriff and Police agencies across the United States, Canada and Australia.

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Is there a guarantee that a person wearing a Project Lifesaver transmitter will be located? 

Client searches involve different variables and incidents are unpredictable.  In over 3,000 reported searches, Project Lifesaver agencies have achieved a 100% success rate.  The Sheriff’s Office feels Project Lifesaver equipment and established procedures greatly increases the likelihood of “Bringing Your Loved Ones Home” safely.

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