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A Maryland State Police helicopter was instrumental in the successful aerial rescue of an injured hiker in a remote area of Grant County, West Virginia, on Saturday morning. The mission highlights the inter-agency cooperation and specialized capabilities of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command in assisting neighboring states during critical incidents. The rescue effort involved a hoist operation to extract the individual from difficult terrain, highlighting the importance of such advanced aerial resources for public safety.
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The incident began around 8:30 a.m. on June 13, 2026, when rescue personnel in Grant County were alerted to a hiker who had sustained injuries after a fall. The victim’s location was described as remote, with the rugged terrain posing significant challenges for ground-based extrication teams. Given the circumstances, including the expected duration of a ground rescue and the nature of the hiker’s injuries, a request was made to the Maryland State Police Aviation Command for an aerial hoist rescue. In response, Trooper 5, a Maryland State Police helicopter stationed in Cumberland, Maryland, was dispatched by the SYSCOM Duty Officer to the scene.
Upon arrival, the flight crew of Trooper 5, operating an Agusta Westland AW-139 helicopter, located the injured hiker through a clearing in the dense tree cover. A Trooper/Rescue Technician was then lowered from the helicopter to the victim’s location. The technician prepared the individual for extraction, and the hiker was subsequently hoisted into the aircraft using a specialized Patient Extrication Platform (PEP) device. Once safely aboard, the crew transitioned to a medical evacuation role, transporting the injured hiker to WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia, for necessary medical assessment and treatment.
The Maryland State Police Aviation Command, which has been operational since 1970, maintains a fleet of 10 AW139 helicopters. These aircraft are strategically based across seven locations in Maryland, ensuring round-the-clock availability for a variety of critical missions. These missions encompass emergency medical services (medevac), law enforcement support, search and rescue operations, homeland security initiatives, and disaster assessment. The success of these operations is heavily reliant on the coordinated efforts of local fire departments, rescue squads, EMS providers, law enforcement agencies, and other partner organizations. Residents and visitors can find reassurance in the ongoing readiness of this specialized aviation unit to respond to emergencies, even beyond state borders when mutual aid is required.
Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Department of State Police.
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