PORT TOBACCO, Md. — Maryland State Police executed a precise Charles County helicopter rescue on August 23, 2025, airlifting an injured park visitor from a remote wooded and marshy area after a 25-foot fall from a tree and down a steep embankment. The operation, involving Trooper 7 based in St. Mary’s County, highlighted coordinated efforts among multiple agencies to transport the patient to a trauma center due to severe injuries.
Dispatched at approximately 6:15 p.m., the Aviation Command crew responded to the challenging terrain in Port Tobacco, where ground access was limited. First responders from Charles County Fire and Rescue, the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department and paramedics with Charles County Department of Emergency Services had already reached the scene, stabilized the individual and assessed that ground evacuation was not feasible. Pilots positioned the AgustaWestland AW-139 helicopter about 115 feet overhead, lowering a rescue device and a trooper/rescue technician to package the patient for hoisting. The technician continued advanced medical care en route to the facility.
This Charles County helicopter rescue demonstrated seamless teamwork between the Maryland State Police Aviation Command, La Plata volunteers, Charles County emergency services and other local partners. Such operations are routine for the command, which maintains readiness for complex missions in varied environments.
Details of the patient’s condition and identity were not released, in line with privacy protocols. The incident occurred in an area known for its dense foliage and uneven ground, complicating ground-based responses. Port Tobacco, a historic village in Charles County, traces its roots to the 17th century as one of Maryland’s earliest English settlements and a major international seaport before the American Revolution.
Over time, siltation from tobacco farming altered the Port Tobacco River, shifting the landscape to the marshy, wooded expanse seen today, which poses unique challenges for emergency operations like this Charles County helicopter rescue. With a population under 15 in the village proper, the surrounding region relies on county-wide resources for such events, given its proximity to larger hubs like La Plata.
The AgustaWestland AW-139, central to this Charles County helicopter rescue, is a twin-engine aircraft equipped with advanced avionics, including terrain awareness warning systems, night vision compatibility and cockpit voice recorders. Maryland State Police operates a fleet of 10 such helicopters from seven bases across the state, supporting medevac transports, search and rescue efforts, aerial law enforcement patrols and homeland security tasks. Each unit provides 24-hour coverage, with crews trained for hoist operations in remote or inaccessible locations. The command, established in 1970, has expanded its capabilities through contracts for additional AW-139s, enhancing response times for emergencies statewide.
Charles County volunteer fire and emergency medical services play a vital role in these collaborations, with over a dozen member companies including Waldorf, Bryans Road and Potomac Heights stations contributing personnel and equipment. The county’s Department of Emergency Services oversees animal control, management and medical responses, working alongside volunteers to handle incidents ranging from structure fires to medical evacuations. Recruitment efforts emphasize the need for more participants, offering training in fire suppression and EMS to bolster community safety.
This Charles County helicopter rescue follows a pattern of recent Aviation Command missions. On August 3, 2025, crews conducted an aerial rescue for an injured rock climber in West Virginia, using similar hoist techniques in rugged terrain. In July 2025, Trooper 7 hoisted survivors from an overturned boat in the Chesapeake Bay, coordinating with Calvert County fireboats for multiple extractions. Another July operation involved transporting a person struck by a falling tree in Morgan County, underscoring the command’s cross-border support capabilities. These examples illustrate the unit’s preparedness for diverse scenarios, from natural accidents to water-based emergencies.
In Charles County, where geography includes rivers, forests and rural expanses, such helicopter interventions are essential for timely medical access. The Board of Fire and Rescue Commissioners ensures standards are met through oversight of training and equipment, fostering partnerships that enable efficient responses like this Charles County helicopter rescue. As development continues in Southern Maryland, with its mix of historic sites and natural areas, these services remain critical for resident and visitor protection.
