BLOOMFIELD — As part of National Autism Awareness Month, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office is highlighting a high-tech tool designed to bring peace of mind to local families: Project Lifesaver.
The program utilizes specialized radio-frequency technology to protect and quickly locate individuals with autism, Down syndrome, or Alzheimer’s who may be prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering, also known as “elopement.”
How It Works: The Bracelet That Saves Lives
The core of Project Lifesaver is a small, lightweight transmitter worn on the wrist or ankle. Unlike GPS technology, which can lose signal in buildings or under heavy tree cover, Project Lifesaver uses FM radio frequency.
- Individual Tracking: Each participant is assigned a unique radio frequency number.
- Rapid Response: If a loved one goes missing, caregivers notify Greene County Dispatch immediately. Specially trained deputies then respond with a handheld receiver tuned to that individual’s specific frequency.
- Proven Results: Nationally, Project Lifesaver has reduced search times from hours or days to an average of just 30 minutes.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this technology is particularly vital for children who may not have a typical fear of water. According to the National Autism Association, drowning remains the leading cause of death following wandering incidents, accounting for approximately 91% of U.S. wandering fatalities in recent years.
Because many children on the autism spectrum are drawn to water for sensory reasons, every minute saved during a search is critical. The radio frequency technology works even if the wearer is near water or in dense brush, where a visual search might fail.
How to Enroll in Greene County
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging interested families to reach out this month to learn more about the enrollment process and any available assistance for equipment costs.
- Contact: Greene County Dispatch
- Phone: 812-384-4411
- Eligibility: Individuals with a clinical diagnosis of a cognitive condition (Autism, Alzheimer’s, etc.) that puts them at risk of wandering.
April serves as a reminder for communities to foster inclusivity and support for those on the spectrum. Beyond tracking technology, local law enforcement agencies are increasingly undergoing Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) to better understand sensory sensitivities and communication styles, ensuring that when a child is found, the interaction is as calm and safe as possible.
If you or someone you know is looking for sensory-friendly community events or local support groups in Southern Indiana, the Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) provides updated directories for families in Greene, Monroe, and Lawrence counties.
