Helping a Lightning Strike Victim

Call 911 immediately and start CPR if necessary.

Cardiac arrest and heart irregularities, burns and nerve damage are common injuries.

If the victim seems only stunned, check for burns and give first aid for shock (keep person warm and alert). Don't let the person walk around.

With proper treatment, most victims survive, though they may suffer from a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms, including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression, and an inability to sit for long. 

You are in no danger by helping a lightning victim. There is no remaining electrical charge to affect you.

 

Check out the Severe Weather Links for additional information.