Erwin, United States - September 27, 2024

Amidst the chaos wrought by the remnants of Hurricane Helene, a dramatic rescue operation unfolded today on the roof of Unicoi County Hospital, located in Erwin, Tennessee. As of 3:35 p.m. on September 27th, Virginia State Police (VSP) Aviation, alongside Ballad Health and the Tennessee National Guard, have successfully airlifted 23 people to safety from the hospital's rooftop, which has become an island amidst rising floodwaters.

The situation at Unicoi County Hospital, managed by Ballad Health, escalated as the storm's aftermath left the facility surrounded by water, cutting off all road access and trapping staff and patients inside. The hospital, ironically a place of refuge and healing, found itself in dire need of rescue.

In response, Virginia State Police helicopters from Abingdon, known for their role in the Med Flight 2 program, were dispatched to the scene. This collaboration between VSP and Ballad Health is not new; however, today's mission marks one of the most critical operations they've undertaken together.

"Every second counts in these situations," commented a VSP spokesperson. "Our teams are trained for such scenarios, but the scale and urgency of today's rescue are unprecedented for many involved."

As of the last update, the operation to evacuate all 58 individuals - including medical staff, patients, and visitors - from the hospital roof is ongoing. The Tennessee National Guard has also lent its resources, highlighting the multi-agency effort required to tackle this emergency.