LifeFight is urging the community to report the dangerous use of lasers on helicopters to Queensland Police after three in the past six weeks on crews carrying out life-saving missions.
The three most recent laser strikes occurred on helicopters in Goodna, Caboolture and South Brisbane.
This year there have been four reported laser strikes on LifeFlight Australia helicopters compared with two for the whole of 2025.
These criminal offences don’t just temporarily blind or disorient pilots during critical phases of flight, but can delay emergency responses, interrupt police operations, disrupt search and rescue missions and impact critical services delivery to Queensland communities.
LifeFlight Head of Flying Operations Jeremy Ovens said crews, including Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) flight paramedics, can’t afford distractions when doing airlifts with ill or injured patients.
“The consequences of this reckless crime can range from disorientation and eye damage to far worse, especially if the laser is directed at an aircraft during the take-off or landing phase,” Mr Ovens said.
“There’s also the risk of crews losing control over the aircraft, which puts crews under unnecessary pressure especially when the airlift is a life-or-death situation.”
Mr Ovens said the impact of exposure to lasers can range from temporary loss of vision to long lasting eye damage.
“The laser can bounce around off other surfaces within the helicopter, getting into the crews’ eyes.”
Queensland Police Service investigates laser strike incidents and those responsible may face serious penalties under aviation and weapons legislation.
Anyone with a legitimate use for lasers must get the relevant approvals and they can never be pointed at aircraft.
Anyone who witnesses a laser being directed at an aircraft is encouraged to report the incident to Queensland Police by calling Triple Zero immediately if it involves an aircraft or ongoing emergency.
For non-urgent information or past incidents, contact Policelink at 131 444 or submit a Suspicious Activity Report online.
