A person who has been struck by lightning is not "electrified." Rapid attention to the airway and breathing of an unconscious victim may provide the support necessary to achieve a successful resuscitation.Signs and symptoms of lightning strike.

When lightning strikes a person directly, splashes at him from a tree or building, or is conducted along the ground, it usually largely flows around the outside of the body ("flashover phenomenon"), which causes a unique constellation of signs and symptoms.

1. The victim is frequently thrown, clothes may be burned or torn ("exploded" off by instantaneous conversion of sweat to steam), metallic objects (such as belt buckles) may be heated, and shoes removed.
2. Often severe muscle contractions are sufficient to dislocate limbs.
3. In most cases, the person struck is confused and rendered temporarily blind and/or deaf.
4. In some cases, there are linear (1/2 to 2" wide, following areas of heavy sweat concentration), "feathered" (fernlike; keraunographism; Lichtenberg's flowers - cutaneous imprints from electron showers that track over the skin) or "sunburst" patterns of punctate burns over the skin, loss of consciousness, ruptured eardrums, and inability to breathe.
5. Occasionally, the victim ceases breathing and suffers a cardiac arrest. Seizures or direct brain damage may occur.
6. Eye injuries occur in half of victims.
7. A victim struck by lightning may not remember the flash or thunder, or even recognize that she has been hit.
8. With a more severe case, the skin may be mottled, the legs and/or arms may be paralyzed, and it may be difficult to locate a pulse in the radial (wrist) artery, because the muscles in the wall of the artery are in spasm.First, second, or third degree skin burns may be present. Broken bones are not uncommon.

How do I treat a victim of lightning strike?

If a personis found confused, burned, or collapsed in the vicinity of a thunderstorm, consider the possibility that she was struck by lightning. The victim is not "electrified" or "charged" - you will not bejolted or stunned if you touch her.

1. Maintain the airway and assist breathing. Continue to perform artificial respiration and CPR until help can be obtained.
• Victims of lightning strike may have paralysis of the breathing mechanism for 15-30 minutes, and then make a "remarkable" recovery. A seemingly lifeless individual may be saved if you breathe for him promptly after the injury.
2. Protect the neck from motion, to avoid a spinal cord injury. Assume that the victim has been thrown a considerable distance.
3. Examine the victim for any other injuries and treat accordingly.
4. If you are in the vicinity of a thunderstorm, seek shelter for the victim and yourself. Lightning can strike twice in the same place!

Emergencies: Allergic Reaction

Emergencies: Dehydration

Emergencies: Heat-Related Illness

Emergencies: High Altitude Disorders

Emergencies: Hypothermia

Emergencies: Near-Drowning