On August 26, 2022 at approximately 5:30 a.m., an Ornge Toronto based air ambulance helicopter was struck by a green laser while landing at the Niagara Falls Fire Hall. The aircraft and crew were landing to transport a patient when the laser struck one paramedic in the eye. The transport was completed without delay. 

The laser was reported as originating in the area of Hamilton St. and Stanley Ave. in Niagara Falls. 

Arrivals and departures are critical phases of flight for the flight crew and require complete focus. Any distractions or injuries put the crew, patients and aircraft at risk. 

A report has been filed with the Niagara Regional Police Service for investigation and a Direct Bright Illuminiation Report has been filed with Transport Canada.

Ornge encourages anyone who witnessed this incident to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service or Transport Canada. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at https://crimestoppersniagara.ca/.

Pointing lasers at aircraft can: ​​

• Distract pilots
• Cause temporary or permanent blindness
• Create a glare in the cockpit affecting pilot vision
• Cause further injury to Ornge patients
• Distract or injure Ornge paramedic

Under the Aeronautics Act, if an individual is convicted of pointing a laser at an aircraft, they could face up to:

• $100,000 in fines
• 5 years in prison
• Or both

Anyone who witnesses lasers being pointed towards any aircraft can contact their local police or Transport Canada.

For more information about laser strikes, feel free to visit this Laser Strike Campaign page by Transport Canada.

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