Lightning storms are quite spectacular and can be amazing to watch. These storms also hold many dangers that many aren't aware of.
Even if you’re inside, lightning can reach you through your telephone, open windows, and even running water. People are made up of 70% water, and lightning travels through us quickly. This occurrence can cause a disruption of the heart rhythm. When this disruption occurs a person who’s been struck by lighting can go into Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).
A Sudden Cardiac Arrest causes the heart to go into an irregular rhythm, and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is the only thing that can bring the heart back to the normal rhythm.
When someone’s unconscious due to lighting it’s important to remember the following facts:
- Victims are most likely to die of lightning injury if they experience SCA and immediate treatment is not provided.
- Since the body cannot retain an electric charge, it’s safe to perform CPR straight away.
- If there is an active lightning storm occurring, the rescuer must consider their safety before helping the victim. Move the patient to a safe location if the environment is safe.
Remember to stay calm, and follow the chain of survival for Sudden Cardiac Arrest:
- Call 911
- Perform CPR
- If there’s an AED around, have a bystander grab it while you continue CPR. Quickly place the electrodes on the patient’s bare chest.
- Continue to follow the voice prompts until EMS arrives to take over.