From burns to heart attack: the risks of being struck by lightning
Lightning is a serious danger and can cause severe damage such as burns and cardiac arrest
Lightning, a spectacular manifestation of nature, is a powerful electric shock that occurs during thunderstorms. Although fascinating, they pose a serious danger to people’s safety. In this article, we will explore the causes of lightning, associated risks, preventive measures and first aid.
How is lightning formed?
A lightning strike is the result of an accumulation of electric charges within thunderclouds. The ice and water particles that make up the clouds collide with each other, separating the positive charges from the negative ones. When this separation of charges reaches a critical level, an electrical discharge is generated which can hit the ground, a metal object or another cloud.
The risks of lightning
Being struck by lightning can have serious, even fatal consequences. The most common injuries include:
- Burns: High temperatures caused by lightning can cause extensive and deep burns
- Cardiac arrest: The powerful electric shock can interfere with heart rhythm, causing a cardiac arrest
- Damage to the nervous system: Lightning can cause damage to the brain and spinal cord, resulting in long-term neurological problems
- Muscle injury: Involuntary muscle contractions caused by the electrical discharge can cause muscle tears and fractures
- Loss of consciousness: Many people affected by lightning lose consciousness
Where do most accidents occur?
The most at risk are open and spaced places, such as:
- Fields: Pratoni, football fields, golf courses
- Beaches: Proximity to water, an excellent electrical conductor, increases the risk
- Mountains: The peaks and ridges are high points particularly exposed
- Swimming pools: Water is an electrical conductor, so avoid bathing during a thunderstorm
- Woods: Trees, especially isolated ones, attract lightning
Intervention on a lightning victim:
In the event of intervention on a person affected by lightning, it is essential to act promptly and following precise safety procedures:
- Scene assessment: Before approaching the victim, make sure that the area is safe and that there are no further risks of electrocution. Turn off any nearby power sources and signal the danger zone
- Personal protection: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including insulating gloves, to avoid direct contact with the victim or potentially electrified metal objects
- Victim assessment: Approach the victim cautiously and assess his or her condition:
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- Breathing: Check for breath by looking at the chest and listening to the breathing sounds
- Circle: Check the carotid pulse to assess the presence of a circle
- Level of consciousness: Calls the victim and tests his reactivity
- Emergency Call: Call emergency services immediately, stating your location, the number of people involved and the severity of the injury
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): If the victim is not breathing or his heart is not beating, immediately start CPR following international guidelines
- Burn management: Evaluate the presence of burns and apply wet sterile tablets to cool them. Avoid breaking blister
- Immobilization: If the victim has suffered trauma, immobilize the affected areas to avoid further damage
- Continuous monitoring: Continue to monitor the victim’s condition until rescue arrives, paying particular attention to breathing, circulation and level of consciousness