Project Lifesaver was established in April 1999 as an initiative of the 43rd Search and Rescue Company of the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office in Virginia.
Project Lifesaver uses a Radio Direction Finding (RDF) system. RDF is a technique used to determine the location of a transmitter based upon the strength of the radio frequency signal produced by the transmitter.
In 2009 Ron Arenburg was searching for a means to aid in the search and recovery of at risk individuals. Ron’s father had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and wandering had become a concern. Ron researched a number of technologies, but he decided that for his father Project Lifesaver’s radio RDF program was the right one.
Ron contacted Gary Smith, Manager, Protective and Emergency Services for the Municipality of the County of Kings. Gary brought together the various stakeholders and Ron presented the group with his research. With Gary’s leadership Project Lifesaver Association of Nova Scotia (PLANS) was officially formed April 28, 2010.
David Walsh, Co-Founder, President and Search Director of Valley Search and Rescue (VSAR) was a key stakeholder and was instrumental in VSAR becoming the first Search and Rescue agency from Nova Scotia to be trained in using the Project Lifesaver equipment. This training was conducted by two members of Ontario Provincial Police and held on June 5th and 6th of 2010 and now sees VSAR recognized as the provincial coordinator by Project Lifesaver International. Valley Search and Rescue is based out of Port Williams, Kings County.
Valley Search and Rescue held their annual open house on July 18, 2010 at which time it was announced that Project Lifesaver Association of Nova Scotia and Valley Search and Rescue had brought the Project Lifesaver program to Nova Scotia.
On July 28, 2010 PLANS and VSAR placed the first five transmitters in Nova Scotia.
Clients who are a part of the Project Lifesaver program wear a radio wrist transmitter emitting an automatic tracking signal. Should their loved one go missing, caregivers are instructed to immediately contact 911.
Search & Rescue members, already trained in traditional search and rescue techniques, incorporate their training and the Project Lifesaver radio frequency tracking equipment to quickly locate the missing person.
Project Lifesaver requires a minimum of 2 searchers and recovery has been an average of under 30 minutes.
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Ron & Nancy Arenburg retired as of December 31, 2015. It was their research of tracking systems that ultimately brought Project Lifesaver to Nova Scotia. Through countless hours of dedicated service, they developed PLANS into a well-documented program for subsequent management. As members of Valley Search and Rescue, they coordinated training for every team in Nova Scotia, as well as PEI and a team in NB. David McCoubrey also retired as Past President after having served six years on the board. Kevin Beard resigned as Operations Manager effective March 19, 2015. Thanks are extended to these people for their time and dedication to the program.
Project Lifesaver has over 1300 participating agencies across the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Project Lifesaver has had over 3390 successful rescues since inception in 1999.
With the support of the local community and the organizations in Nova Scotia, Project Lifesaver will spread across the Province.
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