Wiltshire Air Ambulance forced to abort landing after laser pen incident
The aircrew couldn't fly for the rest of their shift as a result
Last updated 12th Apr 2022
The helicopter was at Combe Down, Bath at around 9.40pm on Sunday night (10th April) when a green laser beam was directed towards them several times.
It meant the Bell 429 couldn't land and was stood down from the mission.
The incident left the pilot and one of the critical care paramedics with headaches and their eyesight affected.
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 crew will be given full medical checks and support from the charity.
“We are grateful to the South Western Ambulance Service for continuing to support the patient and the local Police, who themselves have recently suffered from laser attacks to their own helicopter.
“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.”
The incident has been reported to Avon and Somerset Police, who have confirmed they're investigating what happened.
Shining a laser at an aircraft is a criminal offence, with the penalty of an unlimited fine, or a prison sentence of up to five years.
It's not the first time the Wiltshire Air Ambulance has been targeted either, with four laser attacks reported during 2020 and one in November 2021 in Frome.
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.”
The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust sent an operations officer and a double-crewed land ambulance to the original incident and conveyed one patient to Royal United Hospital, Bath.