Maryland state police helicopter makes aerial rescue of injured hiker
Full length profile shot of two elderly men walking with crutches and walker isolated on white background

Maryland State Police Helicopter Makes Aerial Rescue of Injured Hiker

SWALLOW FALLS STATE PARK, MD — An injured hiker was airlifted to safety this Saturday afternoon by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) after suffering a fall at Swallow Falls State Park.

The rescue operation involved Trooper 5, a helicopter crew based in Cumberland, who performed a hoist mission. The decision for an aerial rescue by the AgustaWestland AW-139 helicopter was made due to the severe injuries of the hiker, the difficult terrain, and the expected prolonged time for ground extraction. Pilots maneuvered the helicopter above a riverbank, lowering a Trooper/Paramedic to the injured hiker’s location.

After stabilizing the hiker, they were flown to UPMC Western Maryland in Cumberland for treatment. The MSPAC, operational since 1970, utilizes a fleet of 10 AW139 helicopters from seven bases across Maryland to provide vital services including medevac, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations, often collaborating with local and federal agencies.

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