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It’s currently summer, and many parts of the country have entered the peak season for thunderstorms. The public should enhance their awareness of lightning prevention. To avoid being struck by lightning, we’ve gathered some essential safety tips and measures to take if you’re injured by a strike. As long as you understand them correctly and stay calm, lightning isn’t as scary as it seems. First and foremost when preventing lightning strikes: metal and water are excellent conductors. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, avoid contact with metal objects and water during a thunderstorm.
Outdoor Section
When you’re outdoors, stay away from open areas, large billboards, and antenna towers. Don’t take shelter under isolated trees, utility poles, or cranes, and avoid using your mobile phone there. Don’t stand near iron fences, metal clotheslines, or railway tracks. In open spaces, avoid using umbrellas with metal tips, and remove metal-framed glasses, watches, belts, etc. Never carry metal objects such as badminton rackets or golf clubs on your shoulder, as this could make you a “lightning rod.”
Also, during a thunderstorm, try to keep yourself “low” and “small.” Don’t stand on mountaintops or rooftops, don’t go near isolated chimneys or tall trees, and avoid riding bicycles or motorcycles, as well as staying close to other metal objects. Areas near rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands are common sites for lightning strikes. During thunderstorms, avoid fishing, boating, swimming, or any other water-related activities.
If you’re caught in a thunderstorm, it’s best to take shelter in a building equipped with lightning protection, or in a space with a metal roof or metal compartment—such as a car. A car is the best “lightning shelter.” If a car is struck by lightning, its metal frame will direct the electric current into the ground. If none of these options are available, find the lowest possible spot, crouch down with your feet together, hug your knees, and avoid letting your arms touch the ground. Never lie flat on the ground.
Additionally, if you’re traveling outdoors during the rainy season, it’s best to wear rubber-soled sports shoes and carry a lightweight, insulated raincoat. Try not to carry metal items such as keys. Don’t set up camp on mountaintops, high ridges, or open ground. When seeking shelter in caves, avoid staying near the entrance. If you encounter lightning while outdoors, turn off your mobile phone as soon as possible. Don’t stand near the edge of forests, around large rocks, or out in open fields. Also avoid crowding together or holding hands.
Post-Lightning Strike First Aid Methods
When you see lightning and hear thunder overhead, it means the lightning is very close—and that’s the most dangerous time. Once struck by lightning, it can cause three types of harm to the human body: first, a powerful lightning pulse can pass through the heart, causing the victim’s blood vessels to spasm and their heartbeat to stop, which may even result in cardiac arrest. Second, when lightning affects the brain’s nerve center, it can cause breathing to cease. Third, strong electrical currents passing through the body can cause burns or muscle paralysis.
Lightning injuries happen frequently. People who are struck often experience cardiac arrest and respiratory failure, which might be a phenomenon known as “lightning-induced apparent death.” Immediate on-site first aid is required. The sooner the rescue occurs after apparent death, the higher the chance of revival. Some people believe that those struck by lightning still carry electricity and are therefore afraid to touch them, delaying rescue. This is a misconception—the person becomes a conductor, and the current has already passed into the ground; their body will not retain electricity.
With timely rescue, it’s often possible to restore heartbeat and breathing to an “apparent corpse.” During rescue, lay the injured person flat on the ground and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation—mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration along with chest compressions. Never delay first aid in a rush to transport the patient to a hospital, as doing so may result in the loss of critical time and lead to death. Additionally, keep the patient warm. If symptoms such as restlessness, spasms, or convulsions occur, apply a cold compress to the head. For localized electrical burns, under emergency conditions, simply keep the area dry or bandage it.
Lightning strikes may also cause the victim’s clothing to catch fire. If this happens, immediately have them lie down to prevent the flames from reaching their face. You can also pour water on the person or wrap them in a thick coat or blanket to extinguish the fire. The victim must not run in panic, as this can make the fire worse. Rolling on the ground or lying in a puddle or pool of water can help put out the flames. Cool the affected area with cold water, then bandage it with clean cloth, and seek medical treatment.