Maryland State Police Aviation Command Performs Aerial Hoist Rescue For Mountain Biker In Allegany County

(CUMBERLAND, MD) – Maryland State Police Aviation Command performed an aerial hoist rescue for a mountain biker who experienced a seizure while in Rocky Gap State Park on Sunday. 

Around 11:09 a.m. yesterday, rescue personnel from Allegany County were dispatched to a remote area on a trail in Rocky Gap State Park for a mountain biker who experienced a seizure and subsequently fell. Due to the victim’s remote location, extended extrication time, and the nature of the victim’s injuries, the Maryland State Police Aviation Command was requested to perform an aerial hoist rescue. Trooper 5, the State Police helicopter based in Cumberland, Maryland, subsequently responded to the area. 

Local emergency medical services and rescue personnel maintained patient care on the ground and assisted with the packaging of the patient. Once Trooper 5 was overhead, a Trooper/Rescue Technician was lowered down to the scene into a clearing in the trees, where the victim was prepared for aerial extraction via an aerial rescue vest device. 

The pilots of Trooper 5 hovered over the wooded area, successfully and safely hoisting the victim into the aircraft. Once the patient was inside, the flight crew transitioned directly into a medical evacuation role, transporting the victim to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. The flight crew of Trooper 5 utilized the AgustaWestland AW-139 helicopter to perform the rescue. 

The MSPAC has served since 1970 and operates a fleet of 10 AW139 helicopters from seven bases in Maryland. Each aircraft provides round-the-clock coverage to Maryland residents and visitors. The agency’s 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, EMS, law enforcement, and partner agencies.

LINK TO VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18ud2VK6vg/ 

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CONTACT: First Sergeant Jeffrey Leppert, (301) 777-8400

Maryland State Police Aviation Command - Cumberland Section