Wiltshire Air Ambulance was subjected to a laser attack over Bath Sunday night, which meant the helicopter was unable to land to treat a patient.

The ambulance agency reported:

Our pilot and one of our critical care paramedics on board sustained headaches and felt their eyesight had been affected by the incident.

It was called to attend an emergency on 10 April at 21:42 BST and was approaching Bath, when a green laser beam was shone at it several times.

Its pilot and a paramedic on board sustained headaches and said their eyesight had been affected.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance chief pilot Matt Wilcock said the incident “endangered multiple lives”.

“We were unable to tend to a patient in peri-arrest. This is a crucial moment where our critical care paramedics are able to intervene before the patient goes into full cardiac arrest,” he said.

“The incident also affected our aircrew, meaning we were unable to continue flying for the rest of the shift, with a potential knock-on effect for other patients. The crew will be given full medical checks and support from the charity.

“We are grateful to the South Western Ambulance Service for continuing to support the patient and the local Police, who themselves have recently suffered from laser attacks to their own helicopter.”

He added: “Nobody should be shining laser pens at aircraft. Not only is it illegal and highly dangerous, you never know who that aircraft is coming to help. Just think if it was en route to help you or one of your loved ones.”

Avon & Somerset Police inspector Ruth Gawler said: “Shining a laser at any aircraft seriously endangers the lives of those inside it as well as people on the ground.

“Not only is it extremely reckless but it is also a criminal offence which carries with it the penalty of an unlimited fine or a prison sentence of up to five years.

“Anyone with information about this incident is asked to phone police on 101 and tell the call handler they’re phoning in relation to log 1134 of 10 April.”

Mike Pavey, Crime and Violence Reduction Officer at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We will be working closely with our colleagues at the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the local Police forces to find and prosecute those responsible for this serious crime.

For more information visit Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

This spring, Allendale Township will begin construction on a $7.5 million fire station, reports mlive.com.

The new facility will be built near the intersection of Lake Michigan Drive and 68th Avenue, right next to the current one, and the department is expected to move in by the end of the year, the report says.

The project has been in the works for years, as the current station lacks space and isn’t ideal for the area’s growth. The report notes that Allendale Township saw its population balloon from 20,708 residents to 26,582 from 2010 to 2020.

The new digs will include sleeping quarters, a kitchen area for when it’s converted to a 24/7 staffing model, women’s quarters, restrooms, lockers, and be handicap accessible.

The project won’t result in any tax increases, the report says. Its price tag includes the construction and outfitting of the new building, the demolition of the existing building, and reworked entrances.

Local Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and the Allendale Charter Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) made contributions to the new construction; GVSU contributed $1 million, while DDA donated $3.5 million.

Erhardt Construction is the project’s general contractor, and it will work with Construction Simplified and Architectural Group to complete the project, according to the report.

Spartan Emergency Response—Lincoln (IL) Rural Fire Protection District top-controls pumper. Spartan Metro Star MFD 10-inch raised cab and chassis; Cummins L9 450-hp engine; Waterous CXSC20 1,500-gpm pump; 1,000-gallon polypropylene water tank; 20-gallon foam cell piped for future foam system. Dealer: Rick O’Hara, Fast Apparatus Supply Team, Lincoln, IL. (Photo by author.)

MORE FIRE APPARATUS ARTICLES>>

Pierce Manufacturing will kick off the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) 2022 with announcements and new product and technology demonstrations at their Lucas Oil Stadium display on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 10:00 am.

APPLETON, Wis. (April 13, 2022) – Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, announced it will showcase an extensive selection of the latest standout fire apparatus and technology developments at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 28-30, 2022. A main feature will be North America’s first-in-service and fully U.S. manufactured electric fire truck – the Pierce Volterra™ Pumper. Attendees will find Pierce’s display in the north end zone of Lucas Oil Stadium (booth #8807), which will feature 14 fire trucks and interactive opportunities to learn about the latest product and technology innovations.

“The past year has been monumental for our company in advancing our objective to create the most progressive solutions in fire apparatus safety and efficiency,” said Lisa Barwick, vice president of marketing for Pierce’s Fire and Emergency Segment. “We’re excited to welcome Fire Chief Steven Davis from The City of Madison Fire Department and EnTech Solutions to our 2022 FDIC booth. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from these representatives about the performance of the Pierce Volterra electric pumper, its charging infrastructure, and the impact on reducing emissions and improving firefighter safety; all with no compromise on features, performance, or functionality.”

Pierce’s Volterra Electric Fire Truck Display to Include:

• Two electric pumpers and charging infrastructure solutions
• North America’s first-in-service electric fire truck – The City of Madison, Wisconsin Fire Department’s Volterra electric pumper
  -City of Madison Fire Department’s recently retired Chief Steven Davis, and Assistant Chief Scott Bavery will be on-site and available for Q&A
• Portland, Oregon Fire & Rescue’s Pierce Volterra electric pumper
  -Pierce’s expert engineers will be available to discuss features, customizations, and attributes of the U.S.made electric fire apparatus
• EnTech Solutions electric vehicle charging infrastructure – Pierce has partnered with EnTech Solutions, an expert in energy solutions provider from concept to installation, and representatives will be on-site at Pierce’s FDIC booth to discuss: 
  -The impact of EV charging on a fire station
  -The best options for the individual site
  -ROI opportunities with renewable energy
  -Available grants/incentives
  -Costs and anticipated lead times
  -Ongoing support 

Additional Technology and Latest Fire Truck Component Features on Display Will Include:

• Introduction of the next generation in fire apparatus pump design and fire suppression upgrades with enhanced flow capabilities paired with unmatched serviceability and performance.
• 100’ Heavy-Duty Low Profile Steel Aerial Ladder – Introduced in late 2021, this 100’ low profile steel ladder has an overall height as low as 10’ 10” with waterway, and 10’ 8” without waterway, a rated load capacity up to 750 lb in winds up to 35 mph with a 100 lb allowance of additional firefighting equipment at the ladder tip (while flowing up to 1500 gpm).
• Pierce CZ Connect™ Fully Integ

A hotel under construction in Camarillo was destroyed when a massive fire broke out Tuesday night. Firefighters with the Ventura County Fire Department were called to the hotel located at Ventura Boulevard and Las Posas Road at about 7:15 p.m. When crews arrived, heavy smoke was pouring out from the second and fourth floor, investigators said.
- PUB DATE: 4/13/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KABC-TV ABC 7 Los Angeles