by Linda McGrory
AN Irish air ambulance was attacked by laser beams
as it transported a critically ill new born baby
from Donegal to Dublin.
The Air Corps said the ambulance 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 Hospital
in Dublin on Wednesday night.
Irish Air Corps spokesman Captain Brendan O’Dowd
said the Augusta Westland helicopter ambulance came
under attack from a laser strike as it passed over
Kingscourt, Co Cavan, about 10.15pm.
He said the incident not only posed a danger to the
safety of the patient and the two pilots on board
but also had the potential to cause permanent
eyesight damage.
A doctor and nurse who were treating the baby were
also on the aircraft.
Captain O’Dowd, himself a pilot, appealed for people
to recognise the dangers of directing lasers at
aircraft and warned that perpetrators would be
reported to gardaí.
“This was a very serious incident and it is a
growing problem for us. Last year we had 50 reported
laser strikes on Air Corps aircraft,” added Cpt
O’Dowd.
"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 added.
He said the crew on the night 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.
"Individuals shining a laser at an aircraft can be
easily identified and can be prosecuted by An Garda
Síochána under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the
Person Act," he warned.
Meanwhile, the Air Corps has appealed for people to
respect the work of its ambulance personnel.
"Our crews are proud to serve the people of Ireland
and answer calls for assistance on life saving
missions day or night without hesitation. Please
give them the respect they deserve and don't point
lasers at any aircraft,” added Cpt O’Dowd. |
