Ornge Air Ambulance struck by blue and green lasers during patient transport
The helicopter was struck on take off and on descent to the hospital
On 25 October, Ottawa-based Ornge Air Ambulance was struck by blue and green lasers while transporting a patient from an accident scene to hospital.
A blue laser was directed at the helicopter multiple times on departure from an on-scene response in Alfred. The aircraft and crew were transporting a patient and the transport was completed without delay.
This incident has been reported to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for investigation and a Direct Bright Illumination Report was filed to Transport Canada.
Then on their approach to an Ottawa hospital, the aircraft was struck again by a green laser on the pilot side. It is believed to have originated from an area on the East side of Central Experimental Farm, near Ottawa Civic Hospital.
The second laser strike has been reported to Ottawa Police Service and another Direct Bright Illumination Report has been filed with Transport Canada.
Ornge encourages anyone who witnessed this incident to contact the OPP or Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222 ext. 516 – depending on which strike they saw – or Transport Canada. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers for free at 1-800-222-8477 or at https://crimestoppers.ca/.
Laser strikes: the dangers and consequences
Arrivals to and departures from scenes are critical phases of flight for the flight crew. They need complete focus to carry these out. Any distractions can put not only the crew at risk, but also the patients and the aircraft.
Pointing lasers at an aircraft can:
- Distract pilots
- Cause temporary or permanent blindness
- Create a glare in the cockpit affecting pilot vision
- Cause further injury to patients
- Distract or injure paramedic.
Under the Aeronautics Act, if an individual is convicted of pointing a laser at an aircraft, they could face up to:
- $100,000 in fines
- 5 years in prison
- Or both.
Laser attacks are happening across the world, affecting emergency services’ aircraft like a Virginia State Police aircraft.