How to protect yourself from lightning and how to give first aid to people struck by lightning

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Lightning strikes, while spectacular, can be extremely dangerous and pose significant risks, particularly for those engaged in outdoor activities such as mountain hiking during summer storms. Statistics reveal that over 24,000 people die from lightning strikes each year, and approximately 240,000 suffer injuries. Knowing how to protect yourself and administer first aid in the event of a lightning strike can be crucial in preventing fatalities and minimizing harm.

Understanding Lightning

A lightning strike is a sudden and intense electrical discharge between two regions with opposite charges. This phenomenon often occurs between storm clouds and the ground or within clouds themselves. The immense heat of lightning can raise the air temperature to five times that of the sun's surface, causing rapid air expansion and resulting in thunder.

Lightning plays a role in ecological balance by fixing nitrogen in the soil and maintaining atmospheric electrical equilibrium by discharging excess electricity from clouds. However, the dangers associated with lightning are significant, particularly when it comes to direct strikes and the electrical currents they produce.

Types of Lightning Strikes

Lightning can manifest in various forms, with "cloud-to-ground" strikes being the most dangerous. These occur when an electrical discharge travels from a cloud to the ground. Other types include "ground-to-cloud" and "cloud-to-cloud" strikes, which, while less common, are still hazardous.

Areas at Risk

Lightning strikes are more frequent in elevated areas such as mountain peaks, hills, and open fields. Tall structures like trees, towers, and utility poles are also prone to being struck. Dense forests and vegetated areas offer some protection but are not entirely safe, as lightning can ignite fires or cause electrical shocks through the ground. Lightning is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, and it occurs more frequently on land than over oceans.

How to Avoid Lightning Strikes

To protect yourself from lightning, follow these guidelines:

1. Check the Weather Forecast: Always consult weather updates before heading out and avoid travel if thunderstorms are predicted. Many apps provide real-time weather alerts.
2. Anticipate Storms: Storm clouds, especially towering cumulus clouds, signal potential lightning. If your hair stands on end or your skin tingles, seek shelter immediately.
3. Follow Safety Rules:
4. • Avoid high ground, open fields, and isolated trees.
   • Do not shelter under tall or isolated trees.
   • Stay away from bodies of water and metal objects.
   • If caught in the open, spread out if in a group, crouch low with feet together, and minimize contact with the ground.

Administering First Aid

If someone is struck by lightning:

1. Ensure Safety: Confirm the area is safe before approaching. Lightning can strike the same place multiple times.
2. Check Vital Signs: Assess the victim’s breathing and pulse. Use CPR if necessary and apply an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available.
3. Move the Victim: If possible, move the victim to a safer location to prevent further exposure to lightning.
4. Treat Burns and Injuries: Do not remove burned clothing unless it is obstructing breathing. Position the victim with their head lower than their torso to help with circulation.

By understanding the risks associated with lightning and knowing how to respond effectively, you can protect yourself and others from the potentially deadly consequences of lightning strikes.

Sources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/lightning-strike-treatment#1-2
2. https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-struck
3. https://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/weather/weather-and-climate-from-a-to-z/thunderstorms/lightning-the-regions-of-the-world-with-the-most-lightning.html