Quick Answer
To ensure lightning safety during outdoor activities, monitor weather forecasts, observe changing weather conditions, and seek shelter in sturdy buildings or hard-topped vehicles if a thunderstorm is approaching. Avoid being in open areas, near water, or in contact with metal objects. If caught in a storm, crouch low with your feet together and your head down.
Lightning Strike First Aid and CPR
If someone is struck by lightning, they will likely exhibit signs of cardiac arrest, such as no breathing or pulse. Begin CPR immediately, starting with 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Continue CPR until emergency medical personnel arrive. Lightning strike victims may also experience severe burns, which should be treated by cooling the affected area with cool tap water and covering it with a non-stick dressing to prevent infection. Do not use ice or ice water, as this can cause further tissue damage.
Neurological Assessment and Storm Safety
After a lightning strike, assess the victim for neurological damage, such as loss of consciousness, confusion, or difficulty speaking. If the victim is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should be transported to a hospital immediately. When planning outdoor activities, check the local weather forecast regularly and be prepared to change plans if a thunderstorm is predicted. If you are in a group, designate a leader to monitor the weather and make decisions about seeking shelter. When in a storm, avoid being near tall objects, such as trees or power lines, and avoid contact with metal objects, such as golf clubs or bicycles.
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