Recently, I
had the pleasure of meeting with 3 very instrumental gentlemen
involved in this endeavor from the Tonto Rim Search & Rescue
Squad. Commander Bill Pitterle, David Pirtle, and Sgt. Terry
Hudgens were as excited to tell me about Project Lifesaver as I
was to learn about it. Sgt. Hudgens learned of a similar program
instituted in Yavapai County and set forth a goal. An
accumulation of 6-7 months worth of donations made the goal a
reality. Two complete systems were purchased in addition to 14
bracelets. Each bracelet has its own frequency with 200
frequencies available. People who are part of the Project
Lifesaver program wear a personalized wristband 24 hours a day,
7 days a week that emits a tracking signal, which is totally
silent. When a caregiver notifies the Tonto Rim Search & Rescue
Squad, that the person is missing or has wandered off, a team
responds to the area and begins the mobile locator tracking
system. Average rescue time is 22 minutes.
The technology
is based on a directional antennae with a 1 mile range in Rim
Country terrain and Sgt. Hudgens has recently been certified to
track from the air within a 5 mile radius. Still, the gentlemen
explained, they’re surprised that more folks haven’t come
forward to take advantage of this service offered. Whether it is
that folks are unaware of the project or perhaps embarrassment
in wearing the bracelet, they stress that it is strictly
confidential and there is no shame in caring for a loved one’s
well being. Especially when it comes to saving someone’s life.
Initially, an
interview is conducted between the requesting caregiver and the
Tonto Rim Search & Rescue representative. There are 4 points of
criteria one must meet to obtain the bracelet:
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The caregiver must have reason to believe or has noted that the
recipient has a tendency to wander. |
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The bracelet must be tested once a day to make sure the battery is
in working order and a log kept on its function.
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The recipient must have a caregiver. |
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The recipient must be willing to wear the bracelet 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. |
The bracelet
itself is virtually weightless and comfortable. It can be worn
while bathing or showering, although not during swimming as the
water pressure while underwater may cause it to cease working.
There are no age restrictions as they have a patient of 11 years
old now wearing one as well as an 80 year young individual.
Northern Gila
County is very fortunate to be the only county in Arizona where
this particular device is in service. The Tonto Rim Search &
Rescue Squad has done a wonderful service to the community in
offering this absolutely free of charge service and it is my
hope that this story will reach out to other communities and Law
Enforcement to enable them to implement it into their population
as well. Tonto Rim Search & Rescue is always thankful for your
financial donations and welcomes new volunteers.
For more
information, you can contact Commander Bill Pitterle at
978-9105, Dave Pirtle at 970-3830 or Sgt. Terry Hudgens at the
Gila County Sheriff’s Office 474-2208.
