How to Treat and Manage Lightning Injuries

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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Should lightning strike a person in your wilderness party, take these steps. You might be able to save a life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy
Step1
Check airway, breathing and circulation. (See "How to Check Airway, Breathing and Circulation.") Treat accordingly with rescue breathing and/or CPR. (See related eHows.)
Step2
Perform a full primary and secondary survey (see related eHows), paying particular attention to blunt traumas from the lightning's shock wave.
Step3
Look for and treat burns. (See "How to Treat a Burn in the Wilderness.")
Step4
Evacuate any victim who has gone unconscious, even if he or she appears to have recovered completely.

Tips & Warnings

  • Rescue breathing and CPR have some of the highest success rates with lightning victims. Be persistent.
  • When in doubt, evacuate. Chances are a lightning injury will be severe enough to warrant evacuation.
  • Minimize the risk of lightning injury by taking preventative steps. (See "How to Protect Yourself from Lightning.")
  • This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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eHow Article: How to Treat and Manage Lightning Injuries

eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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