An air ambulance crew was put at risk after a laser pen was deliberately shone at their helicopter while they were responding to an emergency. The incident occurred at around 17:35 GMT on Monday as the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) aircraft was flying over Washington. A green laser beam entered the helicopter’s cabin, momentarily dazzling the crew during a critical phase of flight.
GNAAS confirmed that this was not an isolated event and said its aircraft had been targeted by laser lights on previous occasions while returning to its base near Eaglescliffe. Such incidents continue to raise concerns about the safety of air ambulance operations, which often take place in challenging conditions and under time pressure.
Crew Escapes Injury but Safety Risks Highlighted
The pilot, JJ Smith, reported that no one on board suffered lasting damage to their eyesight during the incident. However, he described the act as extremely dangerous and emphasized that the consequences could have been far more serious. He explained that lasers aimed at aircraft can cause temporary loss of vision, increasing the risk of pilots losing control of the helicopter and endangering everyone on board.
According to the pilot, when a laser strike occurs, pilots may be forced to maneuver the aircraft to shield the crew from further exposure or alter planned landing options. He said such actions could delay the delivery of vital pre-hospital care to critically ill or injured patients who rely on the air ambulance for rapid medical intervention.
Growing Concern Over Laser Dazzling
Aviation experts warn that laser attacks pose a particular threat to air ambulance pilots, who often fly at lower altitudes and land in unfamiliar or confined locations, including roads, fields, and urban areas. Even brief visual impairment at low altitude can have severe consequences. Unlike commercial flights, air ambulance missions cannot always divert or delay without affecting patient outcomes, making any distraction especially hazardous.
GNAAS stressed that individuals who shine lasers at aircraft may wrongly believe it to be harmless entertainment, but the organization underlined that it is a serious criminal offence. Authorities have repeatedly warned that those caught targeting aircraft with lasers could face significant fines and potential jail sentences.
Call for Public Awareness and Responsibility
Emergency services continue to urge the public to understand the risks associated with laser misuse. Protecting air ambulance crews is essential to ensuring they can safely reach patients and provide life-saving care without unnecessary danger or delay.
