Tucson cardiologist explains how Bluetooth technology involved in search for Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker

February 18, 2026 - 10:52

In a case highlighting the intersection of medical technology and search-and-rescue, a Tucson cardiologist has explained how a pacemaker's Bluetooth signal became a crucial tool in the search for Nancy Guthrie. Guthrie disappeared from her home in the Catalina Foothills in early February.

Two days after her disappearance, a Pima County Sheriff's Department helicopter equipped with specialized technology flew a low-altitude grid pattern over the area. The mission was to detect the short-range wireless signal emitted by Guthrie's modern pacemaker. Unlike older models, many contemporary cardiac devices contain integrated Bluetooth modules designed to transmit patient data to monitoring systems and clinicians.

This capability allowed search teams to attempt to locate the unique electronic signature of her specific device. While the signal's range is typically limited to a matter of feet, it can provide a critical, precise location point if a search asset can get close enough. The technique represents a novel application of common medical technology in emergency situations, offering a potential lifeline when traditional search methods are challenged.

The explanation sheds light on the technical efforts undertaken by authorities during the extensive search operation. It underscores how everyday technological advancements, often unnoticed, can be repurposed in critical moments to aid in locating vulnerable individuals.