OPP PARTNERS WITH MEDICALERT TO HELP VULNERABLE PEOPLE

ORILLIA — A new partnership to help police assist people who may be unable to communicate their problems with their officers was launched here at the OPP headquarters Tuesday.

Provincial police are partnering with MedicAlert Foundation Canada to better assist frontline staff in their interactions with vulnerable persons.

The MedicAlert Protect Connect service could quickly locate lost or missing vulnerable individuals, such as those living with autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia or other cognitive brain injuries, so they can be quickly and safely returned to their loved ones, a police release said.

Officers called to an emergency involving a MedicAlert subscriber will have access through dispatchers to vital information, such as subscriber’s photo, past wandering history, triggers, which could save a life.

Catherine Horlock, left, of MedicAlert and OPP Staff Sergeant Julie Paddon show the bracelets at Tuesday’s partnership launch.
The OPP think these type of bracelets could help them identify people unable to communicate their problems with police.