Wiltshire Air Ambulance was subjected to a laser attack over Bath Sunday night, which meant the helicopter was unable to land to treat a patient.
The ambulance agency reported:
Our pilot and one of our critical care paramedics on board sustained headaches and felt their eyesight had been affected by the incident.
It was called to attend an emergency on 10 April at 21:42 BST and was approaching Bath, when a green laser beam was shone at it several times.
Its pilot and a paramedic on board sustained headaches and said their eyesight had been affected.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance chief pilot Matt Wilcock said the incident “endangered multiple lives”.
“We were unable to tend to a patient in peri-arrest. This is a crucial moment where our critical care paramedics are able to intervene before the patient goes into full cardiac arrest,” he said.
“The incident also affected our aircrew, meaning we were unable to continue flying for the rest of the shift, with a potential knock-on effect for other patients. The crew will be given full medical checks and support from the charity.
“We are grateful to the South Western Ambulance Service for continuing to support the patient and the local Police, who themselves have recently suffered from laser attacks to their own helicopter.”
He added: “Nobody should be shining laser pens at aircraft. Not only is it illegal and highly dangerous, you never know who that aircraft is coming to help. Just think if it was en route to help you or one of your loved ones.”
Avon & Somerset Police inspector Ruth Gawler said: “Shining a laser at any aircraft seriously endangers the lives of those inside it as well as people on the ground.
“Not only is it extremely reckless but it is also a criminal offence which carries with it the penalty of an unlimited fine or a prison sentence of up to five years.
“Anyone with information about this incident is asked to phone police on 101 and tell the call handler they’re phoning in relation to log 1134 of 10 April.”
Mike Pavey, Crime and Violence Reduction Officer at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We will be working closely with our colleagues at the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the local Police forces to find and prosecute those responsible for this serious crime.
For more information visit Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
