Lesson 14: Lightning

Objectives 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 Overview Lightning strikes can cause harm in the following 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 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 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 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 Injuries What things should you avoid during a lightning storm?

Preventing Lightning Injuries 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 Injuries 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 Spot Activity: Break into 2 groups Come up with rules for the safest available location

Finding a Safe Spot (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 (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 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