Ornge helicopter struck by two lasers while transporting patient in Ottawa

Ornge says another one of its helicopters was struck by two coloured lasers as it was transporting a patient near downtown Ottawa.

Representatives say the incident was captured on video on Oct. 25, shortly after an Ornge Ottawa-based air ambulance helicopter tended to a patient in Alfred, Ont.

The aircraft and crew were departing the scene with a patient when a blue-coloured laser flashed from the ground below. Ornge says the transport was successful, and no one was injured.

While the helicopter descended and approached an Ottawa-area hospital with the same patient, Ornge says a green laser struck the aircraft on the pilot’s side a second time. It’s believed the laser, in this case, came from Central Experimental Farm near Ottawa Civic Hospital.

Ornge has filed reports with Ontario Provincial Police, Ottawa police and Transport Canada.

This is the second time in just over two months that a laser struck an Ornge aircraft in the middle of a rescue.

In late August, Ornge air ambulance said one of its paramedics was struck in the eye when someone pointed a green laser in the air as the Toronto-based helicopter was transporting a patient. It’s assumed the laser was pointed from the Hamilton Street and Stanley Avenue area in Niagara Falls, Ont.

“Arrivals and departures are critical phases of flight for the flight crew and require complete focus,” an Ornge media representative said. “Any distractions or injuries put the crew, patients and aircraft at risk.”

Under the Aeronautics Act, if someone is convicted of pointing a laser at an aircraft, they could face up to $100,000 in fines, up to five years in prison or both.