The Project Lifesaver Program is operated by the Saint Paul Fire Department. The program uses state-of-the art technology combining ground and air support resources to locate Memory Care clients and other persons suffering from related mental impairment.  Project Lifesaver places personalized radio transmitters on selected individuals.  Sophisticated tracking equipment is then used to locate these individuals in a timely manner to prevent serious injury or death to persons suffering from conditions that prevent them from returning to a safe location without assistance.  Only trained operators of the Project Lifesaver equipment will be authorized to use this equipment during the search for a client enrolled in this program. 

Upon the initial officer(s) response and they determine a search is required.  The Project Lifesaver Protocol will be followed. 

Project Lifesaver Call-Out Protocol:

  1. When receiving a call of a missing person, Project Lifesaver client caregivers are instructed to advise that the missing person is an active Project Lifesaver client.  If the person is not a registered client of Project Lifesaver, follow the established protocols for missing persons under .  The Project Lifesaver Locating Team will not be able to assist if the missing person is not a client of Project Lifesaver.  If the person is a client of Project Lifesaver, notify the Project Lifesaver coordinator at Saint Paul Fire Department.

  2. The RCECC will ask the complainant if they have searched their home, yard and immediate surroundings and how long the client has been missing.  The RCECC will convey this information to the primary squad.

    1. When a Project Lifesaver participant is reported missing, the RCECC will immediately dispatch a SPPD squad to the residence or last known location of the missing person.  The squad will gather additional information from the caller on the missing person.  If it appears a search will be necessary, the officer shall notify their supervisor.  The supervisor shall contact the watch commander after hours and the Saint Paul Fire Department.The Saint Paul Fire Department will take the lead in Project Life Save activation and SPPD officers will assist as needed.

    2. The first responding officer will make contact with the caller/complainant and will remain with this person for the duration of the call.  Unless directed to do otherwise, the officer’s responsibility is to remain with the caller/complainant and update the Saint Paul Fire Department until relieved by supervisor of SPFD   .

    3. At the scene, Project Lifesaver trained personnel will begin to utilize the electronic tracking equipment to conduct their search. 

    4. Operational control during Lifesaver searches will be under the direction of the Saint Paul Fire Department.

Updated February 1, 2019

Last Edited: March 7, 2019