Center for Discovery hosts multi‑agency search drill to practice elopement response for people with autism

Caitlin Haas, representing the Center for Discovery, told the Public Safety Committee that the center hosted a multi‑agency search‑and‑rescue drill on Sept. 20 to rehearse coordinated responses to elopement by people with autism.

"Elopement, drowning due to elopement is the leading cause of death of individuals that are diagnosed with autism," Caitlin Haas said, explaining the motivation for bringing local partners together for the exercise. The drill included the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, drone teams, canine units, Sullivan County 911, local fire departments and the county EMS board. Participants practiced three different coordinated response scenarios and the interaction among teams.

Haas said the center uses Project Life Saver to assist with locating residents who elope; she reported that 12 of the center's 164 pediatric residents use Project Life Saver devices. She described the device as a transmitter that responders can track with drones, canines, and foot searches in the event of an elopement.

The committee heard that the drill brought together families, security staff and external responders to rehearse communications and tactical coordination. Legislator Inga Alvarez visited the exercise and the speaker thanked her for her support.

Discussion versus action: the presentation was informational; no committee action or funding decision was made during the meeting. Haas asked that legislators take note of the interagency collaboration and continued support for training and communications between providers and public safety partners.

The Center for Discovery said it will continue to coordinate similar exercises to improve response times and interagency communications for vulnerable individuals at risk of elopement.