A Laser Attack Air Ambulance Incident You Should Know About
A recent laser attack air ambulance incident in Ireland highlighted a worrying trend. While transporting a sick infant for urgent care, a helicopter crew reported being hit with a bright green laser near landing. The beam “felt like looking into a bright green sun,” one pilot said. The child arrived safely—but the outcome could have been very different.
Why Laser Strikes Are So Dangerous
Lasers can:
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Blind or dazzle pilots at critical phases of flight (approach and landing).
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Cause disorientation and lingering afterimages that disrupt depth perception.
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Force an aborted landing or missed approach, delaying urgent medical care.
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Compromise night vision equipment, which amplifies light and worsens the effect.
In an emergency transport, every minute matters. A laser attack air ambulance event can turn a stable mission into a high-risk situation fast.
What Pilots Do in a Strike
Crews train for laser strikes. Typical steps include:
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Averting eyes and shielding while the non-affected pilot flies the aircraft.
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Switching to instruments and executing a missed approach if needed.
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Reporting the strike to air traffic control and authorities with location details.
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Documenting symptoms and seeking medical evaluation if vision is affected.
What the Public Should Do
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Never point lasers at the sky. Even small handheld devices can reach aircraft.
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Report laser misuse immediately to local authorities if you see it.
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Educate others—many people don’t realize a “prank” can endanger a patient, crew, and people on the ground.
Legal Consequences
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a serious crime in many countries, with penalties that can include large fines and prison time. Enforcement has increased as reports have risen.
Bottom Line
A laser attack air ambulance doesn’t just threaten a flight—it threatens the patient depending on that flight. Please help spread the word and keep rescue aircraft safe.