Some 5.3 million people in America aged 65 or older have Alzheimer’s disease, and 450,000 of these people live in the state of Florida. It is estimated the disease will afflict 590,000 Floridians by 2025. In addition to Alzheimer’s, other cognitive issues like dementia and autism prove to be major challenges, as many of these individuals are prone to wandering. Sadly, without a quick recovery in a wandering case, the person could die from exposure or other hazards encountered along the way. This is a serious concern, not only for the loved ones of these people, but also for law enforcement.

Looking for a viable method to aid in locating these wanderers, Sheriff Jeff Dawsy challenged his staff to come up with a solution for this problem. After careful research, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office found EmFinders, makers of a unique device called EmSeeQ (pronounced “Em seek”). Essentially, it is a small electronic locator device worn on the wrist. This watch-sized device has a secure band, which makes it virtually impossible for the wearer to remove.

If a person goes missing, the EmFinders emergency call center is notified by the caregiver and the device is electronically activated. The device then automatically calls the nearest PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point – also known as a 911 center), providing them with a location of the wearer, based on coordinates provided by U-TDOA (Uplink-Time Difference of Arrival). U-TDOA is a method of calculating a position using highly sensitive receivers located on cellular towers – the same receivers used by cell phones for 911 calls. Once the PSAP gets the location information, emergency responders are dispatched.

The benefits of using this system integrated with 911 are substantial. Caregivers will have additional peace of mind knowing that their loved one can be located nationwide. Users of the device will be able to maintain their independence and participate in daily activities. The county will potentially save valuable resources by dispatching officers to respond to specific locations, and not incurring multi-hour expansive searches.

There are several other devices on the market, particularly GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and RF (radio frequency) systems, which can also be used for locating missing or endangered persons. However, the EmSeeQ device appears to be the best one suited for Citrus County. This device is not dependent on GPS signals from satellites, so clouds, buildings and tree cover do not interfere. Also, if the missing/endangered person were to get into a car, taxi or bus and travel many miles away, the person can still be located.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office conducted numerous tests of EmSeeQ devices throughout the county, and all results were positive. Simulated cases of a missing person wearing the device all proved to locate the person easily.

After hearing of the successful tests and discussing the issues, Sheriff Dawsy approved the EmFinders program. The Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association offered to raise money to purchase the first 10 units so there would be no cost to the Sheriff’s Office. (This also saves a caregiver from having to purchase the EmSeeQ device.) The Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association raised the money through a silent auction, plus donations from the Citrus County Senior Foundation and several other private donors.

With the donation of 10 devices, the Sheriff’s Office has the ability to loan these to people in the community who are prone to wandering. The caregiver or family simply signs up for a one-year contract through EmFinders, which costs approximately $25 a month. Upon completion, the device is issued by the Sheriff’s Office and the caregiver is trained in its use. When there is no longer a need for the device, the individual returns it the Sheriff’s Office to be reissued to the next person in need.

The Sheriff’s Office is excited about this community partnership and the ability to offer this valuable program to citizens. The effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are sad and difficult to deal with, but having something like this may allow people and their loved ones to feel more secure. Who knows how many lives may be saved?

To take advantage of this program or for more information, please contact the Project EmSeeQ coordinator, Sgt. Chris Evan, at 352-527-3701 or e-mail cevan@sheriffcitrus.org.

You may also visit www.EmFinders.com to learn more about the technology.