Lesson 14:Lesson 14:Lightning Lightning

Emergency Reference Guide p. 65-66Emergency Reference Guide p. 65-66

ObjectivesObjectives

• Describe how lightning can cause injury/death

• Describe the prevention of a lightning induced injury

• Describe the emergency treatment & care for lightning injuries

• Describe when evacuation is necessary in lightning cases

Lightning OverviewLightning Overview

• Lightning strikes can cause harm in what ways?– Direct strike: person receives a direct hit– Splash: when strike jumps from its direct target to a

person– Ground current: electrical charge from lightning

radiates from strike point through the ground– Long conductor: object person is touching is hit (such

as a pole or fence)– Blast injury: object such as tree is hit and explodes

Types of Lightning InjuriesTypes of Lightning Injuries• Lightning strikes are dangerous & can affect all

parts of the body• Types of injuries:

– Cardiac or pulmonary arrest– Neurological problems, loss of responsiveness,

paralysis, seizures– Blindness, often temporary– Burns, typically superficial & feathery or fern like.

Potentially at entrance & exit points– Trauma from strike itself, or being thrown (i.e.

fractures, internal bleeding, etc.)

Caring for Lightning InjuriesCaring for Lightning Injuries

• When scene is safe, do primary and secondary assessment, do a SAMPLE history & check vital signs

• Start CPR immediately, if needed• Treat other injuries as required• Be ready to treat secondary issues, such

as hypothermia for patients who are wet

Guidelines for EvacuationGuidelines for Evacuation

• GO FAST for anyone struck by lightning– Even when person appears to recover.

Serious problems sometimes develop later on, after a lightning strike

Preventing Lightning InjuriesPreventing Lightning Injuries

• What things should you avoid during a lightning storm?

Preventing Lightning InjuriesPreventing Lightning Injuries(cont’d.)(cont’d.)

• Things/places to avoid during a storm:– High places & high objects such as tall trees,

towers, etc.– Open places (i.e. lakes, fields, areas above

timberline)– Damp, shallow caves and tunnels– Overhangs– Flood zones– Long conductors such as fences– Places obviously hit in the past

Preventing Lightning InjuriesPreventing Lightning Injuries (cont’d.)(cont’d.)

• Know local weather patterns• Plan turn around times (time needed to get

back to the patient). Stick to your plan (don’t over extend)

• Plot storms using these methods:– Distance to lightning is 5 seconds/mile– Follow 30-30 rule: seek safe location, if storm

< 6 miles away. Wait 30 minutes after storm passes

Finding a Safe SpotFinding a Safe Spot

• Activity: – Break into 2 groups

• Come up with rules for the safest available location

Finding a Safe Spot Finding a Safe Spot (cont’d.)(cont’d.)

• Move downhill• Move out of meadows• Seek uniform cover such as rolling hills, or

trees all about the same size, low spot among rocks, etc.

• Take shelter in a metal framed building. Avoid telephones, power wires or touching metal. Remove metal frame packs

Finding a Safe Spot Finding a Safe Spot (cont’d.)(cont’d.)

• Take shelter in hard topped motor vehicles• If boating, get to land and move away from

shore• Pick safe campsites (see above rules)• Provide instruction to all members of

group• Lightning CAN strike twice in the same

location!

Assuming a Safe PositionAssuming a Safe Position• If available, stand on an insulator (i.e. life jacket,

sleeping pad, etc.)• Take off metal framed packs & move away from

them• Squat or sit in tight body position (get low

minimize contact to ground)• Do not lie down• Cover ears with hands, close eyes, get head

close to knees• Spread out, at least 100 feet between individuals

Questions???Questions???

What else could you add to your What else could you add to your First Aid Kit?First Aid Kit?