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Air ambulance attacked by laser as it transports Donegal baby 11.07.14

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.
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