STATE POLICE HELICOPTER CREW IN CUMBERLAND RESCUES INJURED MAN

(Cumberland, MD) -- Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan is commending a Maryland State Police helicopter crew for their outstanding rescue of an injured man trapped precariously on an abandoned railroad bridge high over the Potomac River in Cumberland.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Maryland State Police Trooper 5, the helicopter based at the Cumberland Airport, was dispatched to assist with the rescue of an injured man who had fallen onto an abandoned railroad trestle about 100 feet over the Potomac River. The location was extremely dangerous.

Members of the Cumberland Fire Department HEAT team had responded, but only two rescuers were able to reach the victim due to the extremely limited space available where the man had fallen.

State Police Pilot Rick Bartlett and flight paramedic Trooper First Class James Harsh launched in Trooper 5 and surveyed the scene. Despite the trees 50 feet high surrounding the area and the proximity to a 300 foot cliff, the crew decided to attempt the hoist rescue.

Pilot Bartlett maneuvered the helicopter over the scene in the darkness. TFC Harsh attached glow sticks to the hoist line as he lowered equipment and the rescue basket to the fire department rescuers with the victim. In the interim, State Police helicopter Trooper 3 from Frederick arrived and provided backup support in addition to lighting the scene.

Fire department members secured the victim in the basket. TFC Harsh operated the hoist and safely lifted the injured man to the side of the aircraft where he was secured. The helicopter flew the man to a nearby athletic field where he was transferred to a waiting ambulance and transported to Cumberland Memorial Hospital.

"Once again, members of our Aviation Command have proven why this incredible state resource is so valuable to the safety of our citizens," Colonel Terrence Sheridan, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police said. "Our helicopters and the dedicated, professional crews who operate them, combine to save lives and support EMS and police personnel across Maryland everyday."