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Maryland Department of State Police

Aviation Command Performs Aerial Hoist Rescue For Hunter In Allegany County

News |

(LONACONING, MD) – Maryland State Police Aviation Command performed an aerial hoist rescue for a hunter who had fallen from a tree stand in Allegany County yesterday morning.

At 11:49 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, the Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) was requested by officials in Allegany County to assist with the rescue of a hunter who had fallen from his tree stand in Jackson Mountain. The patient was reported suspended in the air, inverted, and in an unknown area of the mountain.

The crew of Trooper 5 along with an Allegany County Advanced Technical Rescue (ATR) specialist responded to the scene. Trooper 5’s pilots maneuvered the AW139 helicopter over a clearing and deployed both the Trooper Rescue Technician and the ATR member to the scene. The crew of Trooper 5 then deployed specialized rescue equipment down to first responders on the ground.

After approximately 25 minutes of advanced technical rescue, the victim was successfully lowered to the ground from his suspended position from his tree stand. The crew of Trooper 5 then successfully hoisted both the victim and the Trooper/Rescue Technician. The victim was transported to a local hospital in Cumberland for treatment of his injuries. 

Assistance on scene was provided by fire departments from Barton, Lonaconing, LaVale, Shaft, Westernport, Midland, Frostburg, Mount Savage and personnel from Allegany Department of Emergency Services. 

The MSPAC has served Maryland citizens since 1970 and operates a fleet of 10 Leonardo AW139 helicopters from seven bases throughout the State. Each aircraft provides coverage 24/7/365 to Maryland residents and visitors. The MSPAC missions include medevac, law enforcement, search and rescue, homeland security, and disaster assessment. The success of the missions relies heavily on the cooperative efforts of local fire, rescue, and EMS and law enforcement.

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