Quick Answer
When hiking and a thunderstorm approaches, quickly find a safe place to take shelter, avoiding tall objects and open areas, and crouch low to minimize lightning strike risk.
Preparing for Lightning Strikes
When anticipating a storm, pay attention to changing weather conditions and take proactive steps to find shelter. This can be a nearby cave, a group of trees with a low canopy, a depression in the ground, or a man-made structure like a car or a building. If no natural or man-made shelter is available, choose a spot with the fewest tall objects around you and crouch low with your feet together and your head down. Avoid standing under a single tree or in a ditch as these can be more conductive for lightning strikes.
Lightning Strike Injuries and First Aid
If you or someone with you is struck by lightning, assess the situation and provide first aid immediately. Check the person for breathing and a pulse; if they are unresponsive, start CPR. If they are conscious but injured, check for burns, which can be severe and painful. Lightning strikes can also cause neurological damage and cardiac arrest; monitor the person’s vital signs closely. If you are in a remote area with no cell service, prioritize basic first aid skills and keep the person calm and still until help arrives.
Post-Injury Care and Safety
After a lightning strike, prioritize the safety of everyone involved. If you are in a group, ensure that everyone is accounted for and unharmed. If someone has been injured, do not attempt to move them unless absolutely necessary, as this can exacerbate injuries. Instead, provide first aid where possible and wait for help to arrive. If you are in a remote area, stay put and wait for search and rescue teams to locate you. Remember to stay calm, follow basic first aid guidelines, and prioritize the safety of the injured person.
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