Avoid shining lights at Air Ambulance crews, charity urges
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance says it can compromise their ability to get help to those who need it during night time missions
Wiltshire's air ambulance charity is warning us not to shine lights towards the helicopter when landing as it can delay people receiving the urgent care they need.
The charity says working at night is becoming more common practice, but insists it is fully equipped to deal with the challenges that brings.
Grounds Ops and Safety Manager, Richard Miller, told us it's attended 165 incidents at night this year already, having responded to 160 callouts after dark in 2024.
"The last thing we need is a torch shown up at us," he said. While he said many will be acting in goodwill, he said the crews are equipped with night vision goggles.
He explained how shining a torch or laser towards the cockpit can impact their mission.
"It will close those night vision goggles completely down, it will disorientate the whole crew. More importantly, it will disorientate the pilot and he won't be able to see what's going on. So we will have to fly away and it will just delay that support and help getting to you in that quickest possible time."
Landing is one of the most critical stages of the mission, but Richard said crews will be able to find their patients, even in the dark.
"If we know where you are from the address that's been given to us from our ambulance control room. We'll have inputted that into our computer systems. If you've got a what 3 words, again, we'll have that into our computer systems," he said.
Many missions carried out by the Air Ambulance will include highly trained critical care doctors, critical care paramedics, who are delivering A&E at the roadside.
Richard also advised anyone nearby to keep animals under control and for farmers to ensure gates are locked to stop livestock in fields being spooked.
He's also encouraging us to be prepared for a situation where we might find ourselves in need, ensuring we have appropriate clothing for the time of year.
Correct footwear, warm clothes, and water are all advised for people going for rural walks, while those travelling by road are encouraged to have blankets with them, as well as checking their vehicles tyres are legal too.
Richard said people on roads must take care and drive to the conditions, saying they are seeing a rise in road collisions.
"Leave plenty of time to get where you need to be, don't rush," he urged.
Richard told us he want's people to enjoy themselves, but implored us all to take care so that we can do.