On May 13, 2016 at about 11:45am Zion Dispatch received a report of an individual experiencing "heart attack" like symptoms on the Observation Point Trail. The initial report put the subject near the end of the Observation Point trail on the East Mesa. Further investigation revealed that the subject was actually near the East Rim trail junction with the Observation Point trail. This was determined based on a photograph that the Reporting Party took of the subject's location. The difference in location drastically changed the tactics needed to accomplish the SAR.
A hasty medic team was first on scene followed shortly by a SAR team of 9. The medic evaluated the patient and once he was stable the patient was packaged and carried down the trail on a wheeled litter. The Zion ambulance was waiting at the trailhead to take the patient to an air ambulance at the Zilon Lodge . At 3:50pm the subject was flown to the regional medical center via Classic Lifeguard Air Ambulance.
Lessons learned: the first step in initiating a SAR is locating the subject(s) if you are reporting a SAR accurate location information is critical.