Quick Answer
No, you should not move a lightning strike victim before help arrives unless they are in imminent danger, such as being struck again or being in a life-threatening environment like a burning building.
Lightning Strike Hazards
When a person is struck by lightning, they can suffer cardiac arrest, burns, and neurological damage. Moving the victim can cause further injury, especially if they have a spinal cord injury or are experiencing seizures. If you must move the victim, use a backboard or a flat, rigid surface to transport them.
Assessing the Victim’s Condition
Perform a rapid neurological assessment by checking the victim’s level of consciousness, pupillary response, and gag reflex. Use the AVPU scale to assess their level of consciousness:
- A (alert)
- V (verbal response)
- P (pain response)
- U (unresponsive) If the victim is unresponsive, do not move them unless absolutely necessary. Perform 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths to check for a pulse and breathing.
First Aid for Burns and Cardiac Arrest
If the victim has burns, cover them with a non-stick dressing or a clean, dry cloth to prevent infection. If the victim is experiencing cardiac arrest, start CPR immediately. Use the 30:2 ratio (30 chest compressions to two rescue breaths) and continue until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive. If you are not certified in CPR, call 911 and follow any instructions provided by the dispatcher.
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