Air ambulance pilot warns against laser strikes after helicopter targeted above Washington

A Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) pilot has warned against laser strikes after a helicopter was targeted over Washington. JJ Smith and others onboard the aircraft were dazzled by a laser beam which was shone into the cabin on Monday evening.

Speaking about the incident, JJ Smith said: "Lasers directed at aircraft can be incredibly dangerous because they can cause temporary sight loss which can lead to the pilot losing control of the aircraft and putting themselves and the rest of the team at risk.

"In these instances, the pilot may be required to manoeuvre the aircraft to protect the crew from the source of the laser or change landing options, which could potentially delay our team delivering vital pre-hospital care to an ill or injured person."

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GNAAS’s critical care team have previously been targeted by lasers while flying back to their base near Eaglescliffe, including once while transporting a patient to hospital, which nearly led to an aborted landing. The team hasn’t suffered any damage to their eyesight, but the incidents have all been reported to the police and aviation authorities.

JJ Smith said: "Those who shine a laser directly at a helicopter might think it’s fun to see what happens, but it’s actually a serious offence, and there are consequences to their actions."

The Laser Misuse Act came into force in 2018, which introduced much tougher penalties for those who direct a laser beam towards a vehicle. The most serious offenders can now face up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Mr Smith added: "We would ask people that if they see someone using a laser pen recklessly or have any video evidence of it to call the police and report it."

For more information visit the Great North Air Ambulance Service website here.