Laser strike as air ambulance transports baby

An air ambulance was attacked by laser beams as it transported a critically ill baby to hospital this week.

The Air Corps said the cockpit was struck several times by the “extremely dangerous” laser as it carried out an urgent emergency operation from Letterkenny General Hospital to the Rotunda in Dublin.

Air Corps spokesman Captain Brendan O’Dowd said the Augusta Westland helicopter ambulance came under attack as it passed over Kingscourt, Co Cavan, on Wednesday at about 10.15pm.

He said the incident posed a danger to the safety of the patient and the two pilots, and had the potential to cause permanent eyesight damage. A doctor and nurse were also on board.

He appealed for people to recognise the dangers of directing lasers at aircraft and said perpetrators would be reported to gardaí. He said it has been a growing problem for the Air Corps.

“Last year, we had 50 reported laser strikes on Air Corps aircraft. The effect of these strikes can lead from a loss of situational awareness due to the startle or temporary flash-blindness to stinging and tearing.”

He said the crew were just about to put on their night vision goggles when the incident happened.

“When coupled with the night vision goggles, longer- term effects can include retinal damage from the strike. The risks to passengers and crew are therefore all too obvious.”