Lightning is most common in mountains and water. A lightning strike in a city is unlikely, but not impossible. Being struck by lightning is very dangerous as it can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to know what to do and what not to do during a thunderstorm to avoid being struck by lightning, as well as what first aid looks like when there is an electrocution. It is also worth knowing the symptoms and effects of lightning.

Contents:

  1. Lightning - how does it happen?
  2. Lightning - symptoms and effects
  3. What to do and what not to do in a storm?
  4. Lightning - first aid

A lightning strikeis most often recorded in the mountains, but a lightning strike can also occur in large water reservoirs (e.g. on lakes), because water is a very good conductor of electricity and extensive , open spaces with tall trees and / or buildings (e.g. in the case of people trying to take shelter from a storm under a tree or an object standing alone in an open space).

There is also a case of being struck by lightning in the center of large cities. The victim was most likely on metal heating pipes during the storm, which sometimes run high above the ground in the city for long stretches.

The metal from which the pipes are made most likely caused the attraction of lightning, and the resulting current fatally injured the person on them .¹

Lightning - how does it happen?

You can get struck by lightning in four ways:

  • directly by hitting the body
  • by a spark discharge which causes a current to travel along the surface of the body and the resulting extensive burns
  • by a lightning strike to the ground in the vicinity of a person, causing the so-called "Step voltage"
  • by a shock wave causing mechanical trauma

Lightning - symptoms and effects

The electric current in lightning is 10,000 to 200,000 A, peaking in 5-10 microseconds, and voltage from 20,000,000 to 1,000,000,000 V. The temperature inside (core) of the lightning is approximately 8,000 ° C .¹ Consequently, the effects of lightning are very serious andinclude:

  • burns
  • bone fractures
  • damage to the nervous system - spine and brain (e.g. paralysis of the limbs)
  • damage to the cardiovascular system (arrhythmias, even cardiac arrest)
  • visual disturbance
  • hearing impairment
  • disturbance of the digestive system function in the form of e.g. acute gastric dilatation
  • impaired kidney function

There have also been reports of "burn-in" in the coatings of shapes of metal objects, such as jewelry or in coin pockets, as a result of an electrical discharge, as well as thermal changes in the hair in the form of a characteristic, pearly melting of keratin .¹

After being struck by lightning, the injured person is lethargic, sleepy or, conversely, aroused. He may experience convulsions or become unconscious.

What to do and what not to do in a storm?

  • do not seek shelter through tall trees, masts or antennas or telephone lines
  • if you are out in the open, crouch in some depression
  • if you are on the water, swim to the shore as soon as possible and take cover in a safe place
  • if you are in the mountains, get off the top
  • do not hold metal objects in your hand (e.g. umbrellas with metal elements)
  • move slowly and in small steps
  • it's best if you take shelter in the car. It is the so-called Faraday cage - electricity flows down the car body (but you have to turn off the radio)
  • do not talk on a mobile phone
  • if you are at home, disconnect your home electronics, close the windows

Lightning - first aid

  1. Call the ambulance
  2. If the victim is unconscious check that he is breathing. If not, perform CPR. The victim should lie on his back because of the probability of injury to the cervical spine.
  3. If there are burn marks on the body, cool it with cold water (for 5 minutes) if possible and apply it with sterile gauze.
  4. In case of fractures, the damaged limb should be immobilized.

Touching a person who is struck by lightning is not dangerous!

GOPR rescuer advises on how to behave during a storm

Source: x-news / TVN24

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the greatestThe National Medical Conference "Polish Woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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