March 23rd, 2018 by WCBC Radio
On Friday, Allegany County Fire Department requested assistance from MSP Aviation Trooper 5 to locate two hikers along the Rocky Gap Run waterway. The adult female hikers were environmental employees of the Department of Natural Resources taking water samples and measurements when one fell into the stream up to her neck. The hikers were able to call the 911 center and reported they were unable to make it back to their vehicle, which was approximately 2 miles away.
Trooper 5 arrived on scene and the crew was able to quickly locate the hikers. The crew assessed their location, considered possible egress routes, the exposure and medical status of the wet victim, and determined a hoist mission would be most appropriate.
The crew landed at Rocky Gap to configure the aircraft and consult with ground personnel. DNR police had arrived on the ground with the hikers and confirmed that both were ambulatory but one was unable to travel the distance back to a vehicle.
The Trooper 5 crew deployed their Rescue Technician to the streamside to provide assistance to the victim and determine a suitable location for a basket deployment. Shortly thereafter the exposure victim was assisted into the rescue basket and hoisted into the aircraft. Trooper 5 crew members airlifted her to the Rocky Gap helipad to rendezvous with ground Ambulance personnel for further medical care. She was transported to Western Maryland Regional Medical Center for exposure / hypothermia and mild asthma exacerbation.
The second hiker was ambulatory, uninjured and was able to walk with DNR police back to receive a relay to her vehicle.
MSP said the success of this incident was a joint effort between the Department of Natural Resources, Allegany County Fire and Ambulance service, and the Maryland State Police.
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