How to Respond to a Person Who Has Been Struck by Lightning

Knowing how to respond to a person who has been struck by lightning can help save a life during a thunderstorm emergency. A person who has been struck by lightning does not remain electrically charged, so it is generally safe to touch and assist them once you are in a safe location. Lightning injuries can cause cardiac arrest, breathing problems, burns, confusion and other serious injuries. Immediate action and emergency medical assistance are therefore essential.

1. Make Sure the Area Is Safe

Before approaching the injured person, make sure you are not putting yourself at risk. Lightning can strike the same area more than once.

If the thunderstorm is still active, move to a safer location if possible. Do not rush into an exposed area while lightning is occurring.

Once you can safely approach the person, begin assessing their condition.

2. Call Emergency Medical Services

Contact emergency medical services as soon as possible. Tell the emergency operator that the person has been struck by lightning and provide the exact location.

If other people are present, ask one person to make the emergency call while you begin providing first aid.

Do not assume the person will recover without medical attention, even if they appear to be conscious.

3. Check Whether the Person Is Responsive

Speak to the person and gently check whether they respond.

If they are conscious, keep them calm and assess whether they are having difficulty breathing, experiencing severe pain or showing signs of other injuries.

If they are unresponsive, immediately check their breathing and be prepared to begin resuscitation.

4. Check Breathing and Circulation

Lightning can cause the heart to stop and can also interfere with breathing.

If the person is not breathing normally and you know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), begin CPR as soon as possible.

Follow instructions from the emergency operator if you are speaking to emergency services by phone.

If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, use it according to its instructions.

5. Start CPR When Necessary

If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR should be started promptly.

Continue CPR until the person shows signs of life, another trained responder takes over, you are unable to continue, or emergency professionals arrive and take over care.

If you are not trained in CPR, follow the emergency operator’s instructions.

6. Look for Burns and Other Injuries

Lightning can cause burns, particularly where electrical energy enters or leaves the body. The person may also have injuries caused by being thrown or falling.

Once immediate life-threatening problems have been addressed, look for visible burns and other injuries.

Do not apply creams, oils or other substances to serious burns. Cover burns loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing or clean cloth if appropriate while waiting for medical assistance.

7. Keep the Person Still if They May Have Injuries

A lightning strike can cause falls and other physical injuries. If you suspect an injury to the head, neck or spine, avoid unnecessary movement unless moving the person is necessary to protect them from immediate danger or to provide lifesaving care.

Keep the person as comfortable and still as possible while waiting for medical professionals.

8. Monitor the Person Closely

Even if the person is awake and appears to be recovering, continue monitoring them until medical help arrives.

Watch their breathing, responsiveness and overall condition.

If their condition changes, inform emergency services immediately and follow the instructions provided by the emergency operator.

9. Do Not Give Food or Drink

Avoid giving the injured person food or drink, particularly if they are confused, unconscious, vomiting or having difficulty breathing.

They may require urgent medical treatment, and eating or drinking could create additional risks in some circumstances.

Keep them comfortable while waiting for professional help.

10. Reassure the Person

If the person is conscious, remain calm and reassure them.

A lightning strike can be frightening, and the person may be confused or distressed after the incident.

Tell them that help is being arranged and encourage them to remain still while you monitor their condition.

11. Do Not Leave Them Alone

Stay with the injured person until emergency medical professionals arrive.

Continue monitoring their breathing and responsiveness. If they stop breathing normally or become unresponsive, begin or continue CPR as appropriate.

If another person is available, ask them to guide emergency responders to the location.

12. Ensure Medical Assessment

Anyone struck by lightning should receive medical evaluation because serious internal or neurological effects may not always be immediately obvious.

Do not rely solely on the person’s appearance or how they feel immediately after the incident.

Prompt medical assessment is particularly important if the person has lost consciousness, has breathing problems, chest pain, burns, confusion, weakness, severe headache, seizures or other concerning symptoms.

Also Read: How to Protect Students During Rainy Season