Maryland State Police Aviation Command Conducts Successful Aerial Rescue in Allegany County

Troopers from the Maryland State Police Aviation Command executed a successful aerial hoist rescue of an individual who sustained injuries after a fall from a tree stand in Allegany County on Saturday, November 8th. The incident, which occurred in Greenridge State Forest, necessitated the specialized capabilities of the Aviation Command due to the location and the severity of the victim’s injuries, requiring an extended extrication process.

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command received the request for assistance after local rescue personnel from Allegany County were dispatched to the scene. The injured person had fallen approximately 15 feet from a tree stand. Given the challenges in reaching and extracting the patient via ground, the decision was made to deploy the MSP helicopter, Trooper 5, which is based in Cumberland. The SYSCOM Duty Officer authorized the dispatch of the aircraft.

Upon arrival, emergency medical services and ground rescue personnel continued to provide patient care and prepared the individual for aerial extraction. A Trooper/Rescue Technician was lowered from the hovering helicopter into a clearing within the dense forest where the victim was located. After assessing the patient’s condition and packaging them for transport using a specialized extrication device, the technician and patient were hoisted into the Augusta AW-139 helicopter. The flight crew then transitioned to a medical evacuation role, transporting the injured individual directly to a local hospital for further medical attention and treatment.

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command plays a crucial role in providing emergency response services across the state. Each helicopter is staffed with two pilots and two state trooper/medical clinicians, ensuring comprehensive care during missions. Established in 1970, the command operates a fleet of ten AW-139 helicopters from seven bases throughout Maryland, offering round-the-clock coverage for various operations. These missions encompass medical evacuations, law enforcement support, search and rescue operations, homeland security activities, and disaster assessment. The effectiveness of these operations, particularly aerial rescues, relies on continuous proficiency training and strong collaborative efforts with partner agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Park Police. This successful rescue highlights the vital role the Aviation Command plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of Maryland residents and visitors.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Maryland State Police

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