A laser attack on an air ambulance was "highly dangerous" and put lives at risk. The attack on Sunday night forced the rescue team to abort a life-saving mission.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance says its crew was called to a medical emergency in the Combe Down area of Bath in Somerset on Sunday night (April 10) at around 9.42pm. But when a green laser beam was shone several times at the pilot and paramedics, they were forced to stand down, reports Wiltshire Live.
It was not safe for the Bell 429 helicopter to remain in the area, as the laser gave the pilot and one of the paramedics headaches and affected their eyesight. The attack came at a crucial point in the rescue mission.
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Wiltshire Air Ambulance chief pilot Matt Wilcock said: “This laser attack has had a real impact, endangering 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. 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 affected crew will now be given full medical checks and support by the air ambulance charity. But that is not the end of the matter, with the police vowing to investigate.
The ambulance service on the ground battled on at the incident in Bath, continuing to treat the patient without air support. Police also attended, having also recently suffered laser attacks on its own helicopter.
One patient was rushed to the Royal United Hospital in Bath. But they could have been taken there more quickly if the air ambulance had not been forced to abort its landing.
Mr Wilcock 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 and Somerset Constabulary confirmed it was appealing for witnesses to come forward. 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. The Critical Care Team bring enhanced lifesaving skills to patients when they need it most.
"They are a hugely valued team and they do not deserve this unacceptable behaviour when they are trying to provide care to patients. Every emergency service worker should be able to do their job without fear of attack.”
In 2020, the charity's helicopter was targeted four times by laser attacks and three last year.
