The Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) was crucial in three separate rescue operations involving a swimmer, a hiker, and an ATV operator over the past weekend in Maryland and West Virginia. These missions underscored the versatility and critical role of the MSPAC in emergency responses.
On Saturday afternoon, the Trooper 5 helicopter crew from Cumberland conducted a hoist mission at Audra State Park in Belington, West Virginia. They rescued a swimmer who had suffered a diving head injury. The individual was flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia, for medical treatment.
The following day, Trooper 3 from Frederick carried out a rescue operation for an injured hiker on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Garrett County, Maryland. Due to the severe nature of the injuries and the challenging terrain, aerial rescue was deemed necessary. The hiker was airlifted to Meritus Medical Center in Washington County.
Later on Sunday evening, Trooper 5 was again called into action to rescue an ATV operator with a neck injury in Georges Creek Valley, Lonaconing, Maryland. The operator was hoisted and transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Since its inception in 1970, the MSPAC has been an essential service, operating a fleet of 10 AW139 helicopters from seven bases across the state. Their missions include medevac, law enforcement, search and rescue, homeland security, and disaster assessment, often in coordination with local and federal agencies.
