A proactive program offered in Quinte West and other areas has led to the safe return of an vulnerable person who had gone missing.
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Quinte West Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were dispatched when a 67-year-old man from Quinte area was reported to have left his residence and could not be located by his family. The man suffers from dementia and was wearing a Project Lifesaver radio frequency bracelet.
Quinte West OPP officers, equipped with Project Lifesaver radio frequency receivers, responded and were able to locate the man in under 10 minutes after arriving on scene.
The man was located approximately one-kilometer from his residence. He was in an area away from the road and was not visible to any passersby. He had gotten caught in a treed area and was not able to free himself. Hypothermia was beginning to set in.
After being assessed by Hastings Quinte Paramedics the male was left in the care of his family. There is no doubt that the quick actions of the officers and use of the Project Lifesaver equipment led to a life being saved.
Background: Project Lifesaver is a community led program where individuals who experience cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, may wander away from home into areas where their safety may be at risk. They are provided with a radio frequency bra celet that is worn all the time. Locally, the Alzheimer Society for Hastings- Prince Edward administers the program for Quinte West OPP and the Belleville Police Service.
In the Fall of 2024, Quinte West OPP, along with the Integrated Mobile Police and Co-Response Team (IMPACT), a branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), met with the family and male party. They assisted in ensuring this vulnerable member of the community was registered in Project Lifesaver through the Alzheimer’s Society.
Many OPP detachments across East Region are involved in the program and have specially trained officers available to respond to calls where people enrolled in the program go missing. They can utilize the equipment to quickly locate the individuals.
Anyone looking for more information on the program is encouraged to contact the Alzheimer Society for Hastings-Prince Edward or your local OPP Detachment.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
