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.
    • 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.

 

Related Links