Woman with Dementia Rescued
updated: Oct 16, 2012, 8:54 AM

Source: Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department

Rescuers Locate Lost Women with Dementia

A 61 year old women with dementia went missing late Monday afternoon from Ledbetter Beach after walking away from her caregiver. Santa Barbara Police Officers immediately responded to the beach and started looking for the women after receiving the 911 call. Because the women was wearing a Project Lifesaver transmitting device, Police notified Santa Barbara Sheriff's dispatch to enlist the help of Search and Rescue teams equipped with specialized GPS tracking equipment.

A dozen Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SBCSAR) team members arrived and began systematically combing the area for the lost women. A County Air Support helicopter was requested and responded to assist the ground units. At about 5:45pm the crew of the helicopter ( Copter 1) spotted the women walking along the western edge of Mora Mesa. The women was boarded into Copter 1 after it safely landed, then flew to Santa Barbara Airport where deputies drove her back to her home in Santa Barbara City.

Santa Barbara County is home to thousands who have Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Mental Dysfunction Disorders and many youngsters with Down's Syndrome or Autism. To learn more about Project Lifesaver visit: www.sbsheriff.org

9 comments on this article. Read/Add

# # # #