New technology will help people with disorienting disorders to quickly be located if they should become lost. Plans for Project Lifesaver were recently announced by the Oneida County Sheriff's Department. The technology should also curb long search efforts.

No family member wants to think of the consequences should a loved one get lost. The Oneida County Sheriff's Department wants to make sure the worst never happens.

Project Lifesaver is aimed at those with such disorders as Alzheimers, Down's Syndrome, or Autism, who may easily get lost.

"It's an exciting new state-of the art technology, but really what it boils down to is a matter of life and death. This system enables law enforcement and the users of the system to be able to accurately go out and pinpoint where a person is," said Oneida County Sheriff Dan Middaugh.

The program will employ small wristband transmitters to ultimately locate lost or wandering people.

"What we're doing is training certified trainers that we have here and they will likewise train deputies and the use of technology. I've seen it demonstrated. It's great," said Oneida County Undersheriff Peter Paravati.

Middaugh says when a person is reported missing, the search can sometimes take several hours or days. The search usually requires an outpouring of manpower and resources.

This new technology is a sure bet to cut down on those searches.

Rome Nursing Home officials say a large number of their residents suffer from disorienting disorders. The home has a wander guard system to eliminate people from getting lost. Even so, they believe the new technology will be very beneficial.

"I feel this is a good thing. That any type of safety device that can be used to assist our residents or someone who is homebound back to safety would be a good thing," said Registered Nurse Robbin Mulvaney.

Middaugh says the project is expected to be up and running by the spring.

Assemblyman David Townsend recently secured $8,000 in funding for the project.