Laser pointer flashed at air ambulance

Retrieval Dr Robert Smithers left Launceston at 12.30am on Wednesday with a pilot and flight paramedic to transfer a critically injured person from Latrobe to Hobart.

Dr Smithers was sitting by the second window of the plane when a laser pointer was aimed at them about 10 minutes into the trip.

“It eventually briefly managed to light up the plane and dazzled me briefly, fortunately by then it was pointing at the side of the plane and the pilot was not affected,” he said.

“RFDS aircraft use single pilot operations so a laser pointer affecting the pilot could potentially be catastrophic.

“Directing a laser pointer at any aircraft is incredibly stupid and dangerous, directing it at emergency services aircraft especially at a time of such workload makes it even more disappointing.”

Laser pointers are illegal and the offence carries a fine up to $3180 and up to 12 months in jail.