Accompanied by a brilliant flash of light and a loud crack of thunder, lightning is the instantaneous release of lots of energy and electric current between the atmosphere and the ground that threatens lives because of the consequences of its strike injures are serious. Especially for hikers, wild campers and other outdoor wanderers who cannot find a well-protected place in the great outdoors so as to avoid being struck.
Although it seems spectacular, it is actually one of the most dangerous natural occurrences for humanity. Approximately 2,000 people, unfortunately, are killed worldwide due to lightning strikes and more than that number survive them strikes with severe damages and burns along with dizziness, memory loss, numbness. Nine tenth of the patients stay alive, yes, but not getting away without life-altering ailments.
Instructions
Our policy is not to share pictures of those ailments and patients but we, as an outdoor expert, will instruct you all outdoor enthusiasts so as to keep away from an unwanted situation before it occurs. As always. If you know what to do, the chance to get struck by lightning becomes less.
Before your outdoor events, it will be good to check weather forecast and the map of the area you wanted to be. If a storm begins, you can easily take shelter. As soon as hearing roaring voice of it, try to find a covered spot that is out of clearings, hills, summits or single trees which have high potential to be struck. Also, tents are not good options. They usually have metal poles and metal is conductive.
Up to 100 feet away, electric currents can be deadly. Whatever happens, DO NOT LIE DOWN !!! You have to stay away from wet things and put a non-conductive material between you and the ground. Such as your bag. Crouching down on it, you must wait till it ends. And for more thirty minutes, to continue your activity. Just to be sure it will not come back.
How to help lightning sufferers
First aid is too important to save lives while waiting professional medical help. Most of us think that the people struck by lightning carry a charge of electricity. That is not true. It is safe to touch them. Calling 911 immediately, be aware of the continuing lightning danger before checking the victim’s responds regarding breathing or heartbeat. Lightning often causes heart attack. If there is no breathing, heartbeat or pulse, start doing mouth- to mouth resuscitation and cardiac compression, CPR.
For mouth to mouth resuscitation
Open the person’s airway by placing one hand on the forehand and the other one on the bony part of their chin. Gently, tilt the head backwards and slightly lift the chin. After making sure that the person’s airway is clear, pinch the person’s nose shut and cover their mouth with yours. Give one rescue breath for one second, and a second rescue breath for one second. Once you see the person’s chest begin to rise with the breath you give, you will know that you have given enough air.
How to perform cardiac compression
Put the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, an the other one on top of the first. Start pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives. It is important to push giving 100 to 120 compressions per minute. (For a detailed video of performing a correct cardiac compression, click here.)
After 2 rescue breaths, do 30 chest compression. Keep doing these two life-saving emergency treatments one after another until the person begins to breathe normally on their own, regains consciousness or the paramedic team arrives. If you see an open wound, not waiting for anyone, press on it with a towel or cloth to stop bleeding trying not to move victim. This pressure help reduce the amount of oozing blood, therefore, less blood loss.
Do not forget! You have to be brave in order to save lives. Hesitation cannot help keep victims alive. Learn first aid, become a life safer.
