Take a Class Resources Learn First Aid Lightning Strike Injury
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  • Lightning Strike Injury

    Lightning travels at speeds of up to 300 miles per second. Anything tall—a tower, tree or person—can become a path for the electrical current. Lightning can “flash” over a person’s body or it can travel through blood vessels and nerves to reach the ground.

    The electrical energy can cause burn injuries and cardiac arrest. When the force of the lightning strike is sufficient to throw the person through the air, traumatic injuries such as fractures or dislocations can result.

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    Emergency Steps

    1

    Check the scene safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent and put on PPE, as appropriate.

    2

    Check for signs and symptoms.

    • Unresponsiveness*
    • Trouble or no breathing*
    • Burn injuries*
    • Open wounds*
    • Dazed or confused*
    • Muscle, bone or joint injuries*
    • Signs & symptoms of shock*

    *Note: Signs and symptoms with a * require immediate emergency medical treatment.

    3

    Call 9-1-1 and get equipment if the person requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

    4

    Give Care.

    General Care

    1. If head, neck or back injury suspected, leave them in position found unless you must move for safety, to perform CPR or to control bleeding.
    2. Continue checking them as appropriate to determine if additional care is needed.
    3. If person unresponsive and not breathing (cardiac arrest), immediately begin CPR or compression-only CPR based on level of training and use an AED when available.
    4. If person is responsive or unresponsive but breathing, give care for any other conditions found.
    5. If the person does not seem to have serious injuries and quickly recovers after the incident, wait for evaluation by EMS.
    6. Keep person from getting cold or overheated.
    7. Position the person as appropriate.
    8. Reassure person you will help and that EMS has been called.
    9. Watch for changes in condition, including breathing and responsiveness, and give care as appropriate and trained.

    Lightning Strike Injury FAQs

    What happens when lightning meets the body?

    Lightning travels at speeds of up to 300 miles per second. Anything tall—a tower, tree or person—can become a path for the electrical current. Lightning can “flash” over a person’s body or it can travel through blood vessels and nerves to reach the ground. The electrical energy can cause burn injuries and cardiac arrest. The force of throwing the person can lead to traumatic injuries as well.

    How can I prevent or avoid lightening-strike injuries?

    • Take cover in a substantial building or fully enclosed vehicle at the first sound of thunder or sight of lightning.
    • Remember the 30/30 rule: Take cover when time between a flash of lightning and a roll of thunder is 30 seconds or less; remain under cover until 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning was seen or the last roll of thunder was heard.
    • If outside and not able to reach safety inside of a building, look for a low area.
    • Avoid high ground, tall trees that stand alone, wide-open spaces and structures.
    • If no safe shelter available, squat with feet together and arms wrapped around legs.
    • Stay low but do not lie flat. The less of your body that is in contact with the ground, the better.

    If someone is struck by lightning and I touch them, can I be electrocuted?

    No. A person who is struck by lightning is not electrified. So, you will not be electrocuted if you touch them. It is safe to giver first aid immediately.

    I was always told not to take a shower during a lightning storm. Is this true?

    Yes. Water can conduct electricity and lightning can travel through plumbing. You should avoid contact with water such as showering, bathing, washing dishes or washing hands during a lightning storm.

    Can I use a cell phone or a cordless phone during a lightning storm?

    Yes. It’s okay to use a cordless phone or cell phone during a lightning storm. Just be sure that neither is connected to a charger via an outlet. It’s best to not use a corded phone during a lightning storm.

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