Project Lifesaver International (PLI) Program Available to District Residents
The Eureka Fire Protection District would like to announce the implementation of the Project Lifesaver International (PLI) program to the areas it serves and protects. PLI has been developed to help track and locate individuals who have cognitive disorders that may cause them to wander. These conditions include but may not be limited to Autism, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Through the PLI program, individuals who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering are given a transmitter that is either worn on their wrist or ankle. This transmitter produces a constant signal that when paired with specialized PLI equipment can be tracked. PLI was founded in 1999 in Chesapeake, VA and has since gone international. To date, PLI has covered over 3,600 searches with an average recovery time of 30 minutes. Compared to other search and rescue techniques, this is a 95% decrease in time. PLI is committed to “bringing loved ones home”.
How to Enroll in Project Lifesaver
Please contact us if you feel that your loved one could benefit from the PLI program. To get started, call us at 636-938-5505 to make an appointment at the District Firehouse with a PLI electronic search specialist. At this time, a thorough medical history will be obtained and the transmitter will be placed on the individual. In addition, you will also be able to ask any other questions you may have.
If enrolled in PLI, the loved one must have a constant caregiver with them. In addition, the guardian must ensure that the transmitter battery is working by performing a daily inspection of the device. In the event that the individual does wander, the caregiver must immediately contact 911 and their PLI representative. Failure to comply with PLI rules could result in removal from the program. Finally, the Eureka Fire Protection District’s PLI program does have a $25/month maintenance fee to cover the ongoing cost of yearly supplies (bands, batteries, O-rings, etc.).