Laser strike temporarily blinds University of Utah Health AirMed crew member
Jan 25, 2022, 12:42 PM | Updated: 3:28 pm
FILE (University of Utah Health)
(University of Utah Health)
SALT LAKE CITY – University of Utah Health reported a crew member on an AirMed helicopter suffered temporary blindness after a laser strike.
A U of U Health spokeswoman said there were two separate incidents on the same day earlier this month.
The laser hit the crew member in the eye and caused temporary blindness. The crew member went to the emergency room for a medical evaluation and reported blurred vision for about a week after.
On the same shift, another crew member reported a second laser strike. No one was injured, but a news release said the incident distracted the crew.
Both incidents happened over the Sugar House area.
No patients were injured.
According to the FAA website, pointing a laser at an aircraft could result in a prison sentence of up to five years and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
