Facts
- A third of persons stuck by lightning are killed, and most survivors suffer serious injuries such as damage to organ systems.
- Most lightning deaths occur outdoors, especially in the afternoon and evening during summer months.
- The chance of being struck by lightning is 1 in 600,000.
- A single lightning strike can injure more than one person.
- Yearly in the U.S., 300 people are injured by lightning with another 80 people are killed.
- Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from rainfall.
- Thunderstorms without rain are prevalent in western U.S. and can still produce lightning.
Causes of Injury
- Direct lightning strike, or current, traveling across the ground or ricocheting off objects
Prevention
- Be alert for thunder and lightning in the vicinity and prepare for flash floods.
- A vehicle with windows up provides good protection. Avoid touching metal parts.
- Do NOT shelter under sheds.
- Everybody in a group should be on flat ground at least 15 feet apart maintaining visual and verbal contact.
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- river / creek beds
- small depressions
- standing water
- trees
- fences
- If you feel your hair standing on end (indicating lightning is about to strike), bend forward and place your hands on your knees.
- Squat or sit, balling up so you are as low as possible without lying down.
- Wrap your arms around legs. Keep feet together. Keep your mouth open. Close your eyes.
- If possible crouch on something insulated like a dry sleeping bag.
- Stay away from metal objects (camping equipment, tent poles, fences).
- Empty pockets of metal objects (knives, keys, I-pods, phones).
Planning / Packing Guide
- Rain pants / jacket
- First aid kit
Symptoms
- Possible cardiac arrest (heart usually resumes beating on its own)
- Cessation of breathing
- If thrown a distance by lightning, may suffer spinal injuries
- Shock
- Loss of consciousness
- Temporary:
- Vision loss
- Paralysis
- Short term memory loss
- Burns entry and exit sites
First Aid
- Remember that lightning victims carry no electrical charge.
- Check pulse; if none, administer CPR.
- Check breathing.
- If none, administer rescue breathing.
- May need prolonged (up to an hour) rescue breathing.
- Do not give up as long as the victim has a pulse.
- Use modified jaw thrust rather than head-tilt chin-lift if possible spinal injury.
- Treat for shock:
- If the victim can be moved, lay flat with feet elevated.
- Cover the victim with coat or blanket for warmth.
- For burns:
- Remove burned clothing only if it comes off easily.
- Apply a dry sterile, non-adhesive dressing.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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