New Service Could Help Those with Autism, Alzheimers

A new service that works directly with local law enforcement and is designed for people with autism and Alzheimer’s who are at risk of wandering is now available in Bensalem. The Bensalem Township Police Department and LoJack SafetyNet have worked together to bring the SafetyNet by LoJack service to the Bensalem community. 

According to a release, the SafetyNet service provides law enforcement with the tools and training to more effectively find and rescue individuals who could or are prone to wandering and becoming lost. It also helps caregivers provide an added layer of protection for loved ones with cognitive conditions from the life-threatening behavior of wandering.

Bensalem police have been trained and certified on the SafetyNet service, as well as equipped with search and rescue equipment.  They can now use the SafetyNet service to find and rescue people at risk who go missing.  The service will be used to supplement traditional search and rescue operations.

The SafetyNet Search and Rescue Receivers, certified training and ongoing support were provided at no cost to Bensalem police or taxpayers.

How the SafetyNet Service Works

Once a caregiver enrolls their loved one in the service, they receive a SafetyNet Bracelet, which is worn by the person at risk typically on their wrist or ankle.  The caregiver provides information about the client to assist in search and rescue, which is then entered into a secure database.  LoJack SafetyNet provides 24x7 emergency caregiver support.

The SafetyNet Bracelet constantly emits a Radio Frequency signal.  Radio Frequency is the technology of choice because, unlike cellular and GPS technology <http://www.lojack.com/SafetyNet/Documents/SN%20Competitive%20Grid.pdf>, its signal doesn’t rely on cellular networks or satellite signals and can often be tracked when a client wanders into a shallow body of water, a densely wooded area, a concrete structure such as a garage, or a building constructed with steel.

The Search and Rescue Receivers used by law enforcement agencies can detect the Radio Frequency signal emitted from a SafetyNet Bracelet typically within a range of approximately one mile in on-the-ground searches and 5-7 miles in searches by helicopter.

The SafetyNet certified training for law enforcement agencies focuses on its specialized electronic equipment, technology, procedures and on how to effectively communicate with and approach individuals who have cognitive conditions.  SafetyNet’s secure database contains information on each individual client enrolled in the service so that the search and rescue team can have information on the individual’s personal habits and how he or she should be approached, spoken to and comforted.

For more information about the SafetyNet service or to register a loved one, please call (877) 4-FINDTHEM (877-434-6384) lojack.com/safetynet or visit bensalempolice.org.

They are offering free enrollment for the month of April.