Maryland State Police Aviation Command Successfully Executes Helicopter Rescue

Maryland State Police Aviation Command, operating its helicopter Trooper 3 from Frederick, successfully conducted a hoist rescue of an injured hiker in Washington County on September 20th. The operation was initiated following a request for assistance due to the hiker’s apparent medical emergency at the Maryland Heights Overlook cliff. The challenging terrain made extrication by ground crews difficult, prompting the need for an aerial rescue.

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command’s Trooper 3 was dispatched around 1:33 p.m. to the Maryland Heights Overlook cliff. Upon arrival, the pilots skillfully maneuvered the Leonardo Agusta Westland AW-139 helicopter approximately 125 feet above the cliff. A Trooper/Paramedic was then lowered from the aircraft to the ground. This specialized crew member prepared the injured hiker for transport back to the helicopter. Following the hoist operation, the patient was airlifted to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, for immediate medical treatment. The rescue effort was bolstered by the on-the-ground support of Washington County Fire and Rescue Services and the Frederick County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command, established in 1970, plays a vital role in providing critical services across Maryland. The agency operates a fleet of 10 AW139 helicopters from seven strategically located bases throughout the state, ensuring continuous, 24/7 coverage for residents and visitors. Their diverse missions encompass emergency medical evacuations (medevac), law enforcement support, search and rescue operations, homeland security initiatives, and disaster assessment. The effectiveness of these operations is significantly enhanced by strong collaborative relationships with local fire, rescue, and EMS agencies, as well as partnerships with federal entities such as the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Park Police. This successful rescue highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring public safety in challenging environments.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from a Maryland State Police Aviation Command press release.

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