Lightning Strikes

Lightning strikes are a rare but potentially deadly medical condition that occurs when a person is struck by lightning. According to the National Weather Service, the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are about 1 in 700,000.

Causes and Risk Factors

Lightning strikes can occur during thunderstorms, when a lightning bolt strikes the ground or an object that a person is touching. The risk of being struck by lightning is higher in certain situations, such as:

• Being outdoors during a thunderstorm
• Being in an open area, such as a field or beach
• Being near tall objects, such as trees or power lines
• Being in contact with conductive objects, such as metal fences or golf clubs

Symptoms and Effects

The symptoms and effects of a lightning strike can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some common symptoms include:

• Burns, including entry and exit wounds
• Cardiac arrest
• Respiratory failure
• Neurological damage, including seizures and coma
• Musculoskeletal injuries, including fractures and muscle damage

Treatment and Prognosis

The treatment for a lightning strike typically involves emergency medical care, including:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the person is unresponsive
• Wound care and management of burns
• Pain management
• Monitoring for cardiac and respiratory complications

The prognosis for a lightning strike victim depends on the severity of the injury. In general, the sooner medical attention is received, the better the chances of survival and recovery.

Prevention

While it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk of being struck by lightning, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk:

• Avoiding outdoor activities during thunderstorms
• Seeking shelter in a safe location, such as a building or hard-topped vehicle
• Avoiding tall objects and conductive materials
• Staying away from windows and doors