County Offers Free Tracking Bracelets to Those with Cognitive Disorders

Both children and the elderly with cognitive diseases such as autism and Alzheimer’s can be prone to getting lost—and may be unable to identify themselves when they do.

Now the Santa Clara County Sheriff Office's Search and Rescue will provide free “EmSeeQ” bracelets, which can track their motions and allow caregivers to alert 911 when they wander off.

The office announced Thursday that it would give out the bracelets on a first-come, first-served basis to those in Santa Clara County diagnosed with a cognitive disorder. The individual families who receive the bracelets are responsible for registering the device and paying a $25 monthly tracking fee.

The bracelet works directly with 911 to reduce the search time for a lost individual. Once someone wanders off, the caregiver alerts 911, which sends dispatchers to find him or her.

The bracelet uses cellular technology and works almost anywhere in the U.S. The devise has been offered by EmFinders, which provides search-and-rescue devises, since October 2009.

"The EmFinders technology is specifically designed to locate lost individuals quickly to save lives and eliminate lengthy and costly search-and-rescue operations," said Nat Bowditch, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Search and Rescue EmSeeQ Device Coordinator.

"Given our location in the heart of the high-tech capital of the world, it's only natural that we do our best to deploy the most advanced technology available to ensure safety, security and peace of mind for our residents."

The locators work directly with emergency 911 dispatchers to greatly reduce the search timeframe for a rescue operation, Sung said. 

At-risk residents can wear them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or as needed. If the individual is missing or has wandered off, the caregiver can call 911 to report the incident and then contacts EmFinders to activate the EmSeeQ device.

The device then places a 911 call and provides its location to dispatchers who can then send assistance as they do every day for thousands of wireless 911 calls, Sung explained.

The system can locate missing individuals in less than 30 minutes, he added.

“We are thrilled to see Santa Clara County follow suit with so many other tech-minded and progressive communities in California and implement this life-saving system for residents,” said Bill Gorham, EmFinders sales director, in a statement.

Staff at the Los Altos Senior Center said it is a good idea, even they thought if its clients don't need it.

“Most of (the seniors at the center) are really fortunate that they usually have a spouse or a loved one that knows what’s going on,” said recreation coordinator Candace Bates.

Residents interested in learning more about the program should contact Jim Cole or Scott McQueen at the Santa Clara County Search and Rescue. Residents interested in making a donation to support the EmSeeQ program can contact the SCC Search and Rescue Team at 408-450-3100.