If someone is struck by lightning, it is a medical emergency that requires immediate action. Lightning strikes can cause cardiac arrest, severe burns, nervous system injuries, and trauma from being thrown or falling. Here’s what to do:
1. Ensure scene safety
-
Make sure it is safe to approach. Lightning can strike the same area more than once.
-
Move yourself and the victim to a safe location away from open fields, tall objects, or water.
2. Call emergency services immediately
-
Dial your local emergency number as soon as possible.
-
Give clear information: a lightning strike, the victim’s condition, and location.
3. Check responsiveness and breathing
-
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR right away.
-
Lightning victims often go into cardiac arrest, but CPR can save their life.
-
Continue CPR until professional help arrives or the person starts breathing on their own.
4. Check for pulse and breathing again
-
If breathing is present but unconscious, place them on their side (recovery position) to keep their airway clear.
5. Treat visible injuries
-
Look for burns, especially at entry and exit points of the strike (commonly the head, shoulders, and feet). Cover burns with a clean, dry cloth or dressing.
-
If there are fractures, bleeding, or spinal injuries (from being thrown), provide first aid carefully without moving them unnecessarily.
6. Keep the person warm and calm
-
Shock is common. Cover them with a blanket or clothing to maintain body temperature.
7. Do not delay treatment
-
Unlike other electrical injuries, lightning victims do not carry an electric charge—it is safe to touch them once the strike is over.
No comments:
Post a Comment