Emergency Services unite to launch Project Lifesaver in Kawartha Lakes

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: A new partnership, among local emergency services and community organizations, is set to provide peace of mind for families caring for loved ones living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive conditions.

This summer, Project Lifesaver will be introduced in Kawartha Lakes, bringing with it a proven search-and-rescue program, designed to help quickly locate individuals who may wander from home and become lost.

The initiative is being launched through the City of Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), with support from the Kawartha Lakes Police Service, Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service, and the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton.

Project Lifesaver uses wearable radio-frequency transmitters, assigned to registered participants. If a participant goes missing, specially trained first responders can use tracking equipment to locate the individual, significantly reducing search times and improving the chances of a safe outcome.

“Project Lifesaver strengthens our ability to respond quickly, when vulnerable individuals go missing,” said Sgt. Ryan Weir of the OPP Emergency Response Team. “This program gives families peace of mind and provides first responders with an effective tool to save time and save lives.”

For families and caregivers, the program offers reassurance during, what can be, some of their most stressful moments.

“Project Lifesaver represents a profound commitment to the well-being of our community,” said Inspector Robert Flindall, Detachment Commander for the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP. “When someone we care about goes missing, every second feels heavy for their families and caregivers. This program brings reassurance, in those moments of fear, by giving first responders the tools to act quickly and effectively. Our goal is always to protect the most vulnerable among us, and Project Lifesaver strengthens that promise. It’s a meaningful step forward for Kawartha Lakes, built on partnership, compassion, and a shared dedication to keeping people safe.”

The program's local rollout is being supported through several key partnerships. Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service has funded the start-up kits and equipment, through its Community Paramedic Program, while the Alzheimer Society will oversee participant enrolment and distribute Project Lifesaver kits. The OPP and Kawartha Lakes Police Service will respond to incidents involving registered participants and conduct searches using the specialized tracking technology.

“We’re proud to support and partner on Project Lifesaver,” Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service, Chief Sara Johnston noted. “It’s a natural extension of our Community Paramedic Program, with many of the same vulnerable individuals and families benefiting from both initiatives. Any program which helps keep people safe, supported, and at home is something we’re thrilled to be part of.”

The technology has already proven successful in communities across North America, where it has helped reunite thousands of missing individuals with their families.

“When time is critical, this technology helps first responders act quickly and save lives,” explained Sgt. Ryan Boutin, of the Kawartha Lakes Police Service. “Working together with our emergency service and community partners strengthens our ability to keep vulnerable residents safe.”

For the Alzheimer Society, the program adds another layer of support, for those navigating the challenges of cognitive impairment.

“When someone you care for goes missing, every minute matters for their safety and for the families who love them,” said Jen Johnstone, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton. “Project Lifesaver adds a critical layer of protection in our community, helping first responders act quickly and bring people home safely.”

More information, regarding enrolment procedures and program timelines, will be announced as the rollout continues. Families interested in learning more about Project Lifesaver can contact the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton, at 705-748-5131.