(WARWICK, MARYLAND) - A Maryland State Police helicopter crew, along with first responders from Cecil County, rescued an injured hunter in a rural swampy area of southern Cecil County on Saturday morning November 26, 2016.
Maryland State Police helicopter Trooper 1, based at Martin State Airport, was dispatched to assist in the rescue of a hunter who had sustained an accidental gunshot wound. Cecil County Department of Emergency Service personnel had determined the most expedient way to get the victim to definitive care was by hoist rescue. Arriving at the scene shortly before noon, pilots maneuvered the AW-139 helicopter into position and lowered a rescue technician from Trooper 1 to the scene to coordinate patient packaging.
Due to the severity of injuries and remote location, an aerial extraction was completed. The flight crew was assisted by the Cecilton Volunteer Fire Department and the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services. Trooper 1 transitioned directly into the medical evacuation role, transporting the victim to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. Advanced life support was provided during transport to the hospital. The ability to conduct the hoist rescue and transition directly into the medical evacuation role saved hours of out of hospital time for the critically injured patient. This rescue was an overwhelming success and demonstrated the versatility of the well-trained flight crew and the Agusta Westland AW 139 helicopter.
The Maryland State Police Aviation Command has served the citizens of Maryland since 1970 and operated a fleet of ten helicopters from seven bases throughout Maryland on a 24/7/365 basis. Missions include medevac, law enforcement, homeland security, search & rescue, and disaster assessment. The success of rescues performed by the Aviation Command depends a great deal on the cooperative effort of local fire, rescue, EMS, and law enforcement agencies.
