How to Help a Lightning Victim

Lightning strikes 400 people annually in the U.S. If you are someone who spends time outdoors, you should know how to help the victim of a lightning strike. Coaches and parents of children who play sports in open fields fall into this category. There are different types of lightning injuries, and some are more life-threatening than others.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Call 9-1-1 or the local ambulance service. Even if the victim only appears stunned, they may have burns or other injuries.
2. Check for breathing and a pulse if the victim is unconscious. Give mouth-to-mouth if the victim has a pulse but is not breathing. If there is no pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
3. Look for burns. If the victim is wet, skin burns are more likely. There may also be a burn where the current entered the body and another where it exited. Examine toes, fingers and skin next to metal buckles or jewelry. Cover electrical burns with a dry, sterile dressing. Do not cool the burns.
4. Assess other injuries. When the skin is dry or the victim is grounded (such as wearing metal cleats), the electrical current travels deeper into the body. There may be broken bones or injuries to muscles and nerves.
5. Move the victim to a safe place if there doesn't appear to be a spinal injury. Lightning can strike the same place twice.
6. Keep the victim from getting chilled until emergency personnel arrive.

Tips & Warnings

• If your hair stands on end, that's an indication lightning is about to strike. Crouch down in a tight ball with your hands over your ears. Do not lie flat on the ground.
• Avoid open areas, trees, poles, metal bleachers, fences and other tall or metal objects. A splash injury is the result of lightning striking an object and then jumping.
• All lightning victims need a medical examination, even if they seem unharmed. Not all injuries are visible. There can be damage to tissue, blood vessels and nerves.