02-05-2025
VSP pilots, Ballad Health flight nurses recognized for Unicoi County Hospital rescue
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WJHL) — Three Virginia State Police (VSP) trooper-pilots and two Ballad Health flight nurses were recognized for rescuing people from Unicoi County Hospital during Hurricane Helene.
The Children's Emergency Care Alliance of Tennessee honored them with the 'Mutual Aid State Award' on Wednesday in Murfreesboro.
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Those recognized were:
Retired First Sergeant Jeffrey W. Bush
Master Trooper-Pilot Bryan W. Canada
Trooper-Pilot Jacob A. Culp
Ballad Health Flight Nurse April Boyd
Flight Nurse/Paramedic Wayne Carroll
According to VSP, two of its Med Flight helicopters from Abingdon flew into Tennessee on Sept. 27 and rescued 40 patients and others from the roof of Unicoi County Hospital, which was surrounded by floodwaters.
Because they weren't sure if the roof was strong enough to hold a helicopter, the pilots had to perform skid rescues, meaning they hovered just above the roof. The rescue took around four hours.
VSP said it responded because weather conditions were more favorable in Virginia. Once conditions improved, Tennessee National Guard resources were able to take flight.
Ballad Health, which operates Unicoi County Hospital, is VSP's partner in operating Med Flight out of Abingdon.
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