Treat the victim that appears most severely injured first (if there is more than one victim).Use an Automatic External Defibrillator, if one is available, as well as other basic first aid materials.Be prepared to treat people in cardiac arrest, have severe burns, shock, fractures, and other trauma.Activate EMS (or have someone else activate EMS if you are the one providing care).You should not place yourself in harm if danger is imminent. Make sure the scene is safe to treat the lightning victims.In the event of a lightning strike the following steps should be taken to ensure your safety and to treat the appropriate people: ![]() Cardiac arrest is the immediate cause of death for those who die, so first aid, and CPR are likely to be needed immediately. The flow of electricity traveled through the victim and there is no charge that is stored. There is no need to worry about getting an electric shock from the victim. HOW DO YOU TREAT A LIGHTNING STRIKE VICTIM? Preventing Sudden Death in Sport and Physical Activity. Possible parasthesia, muscle pain, headache lasting days to monthsġ st and 2 nd degree burns usually occur a few hours after injuryĪdapted from: Walsh K, Cooper MA. Hypovolemtic shock àlook for blunt abdominal traumaīlunt trauma fractures and intracranial injuries Possible temporary paralysis of extremities (may be pale, blue, pulseless) Possible blindness, deafness, tympanic rupture Signs and symptoms of a lightning victim. LOOK FOR THESE SYMPTOMS IN ATHLETES WHEN A LIGHTNING STRIKE IS SUSPECTED: The 30-minute clock restarts EVERY TIME A NEW LIGHTNING FLASH OR THUNDER SOUND IS HEARD. Play may resume 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder/observable flash of lightning.If a warning is given by a weather service it is recommended to suspend activity even if lightning/thunder has not been observed at the playing field. A proactive approach can also be taken using the local weather service and listening to warnings.All activity should be suspended upon the first observable lightning strike OR sound of thunder.WHEN DO YOU SUSPEND/RESUME PLAY DURING A STORM? Establish several methods for alerting spectators of an incoming storm including a speaker system, text messages, staff announcements, etc and give pre-event warnings, make patrons aware of visual signs to safe zones, etc.about the dangers of lightning producing storms and the appropriate actions to take in the event of a storm. Educate athletes, parents, coaches, referees, etc.Specific criteria for the suspension and resumption of play.Know the phone number for the LOCAL weather service to have up-to-date weather updates.Plan for evacuating athletes and spectators, accounting for large crowds.Designation of “lightning safe” facilities for evacuations.This person must have recognized and unchallengeable authority to suspend activity. A chain of command to alert appropriate personnel of an impending storm.Establish a lightning policy within the venue’s emergency action plan.If a fully enclosed building is not available, people should go inside a car or bus with the windows fully closed and doors shut.Concession stands, pavilions, standing under trees, equipment sheds, and tents are not considered lightning safe and lightning can still strike people within these locations.A “lightning safe” facility is a fully enclosed building with both plumbing and wiring.If a storm is suspected or lightning/thunder is observed all outdoor activities should be suspended and athletes/spectators should head to “lightning safe” facilities until the weather clears.“If thunder roars – GO INDOORS!” Everyone should be in safe zones BEFORE lightning reaches the playing field.Lightning producing storms are more likely to occur from early spring to fall, with a higher frequency in the southeast part of the United States, with states like Florida, Alabama, Texas, Colorado, and North Carolina having the most lightning related deaths from 2014-2018. Many people wait far too long to start heading to safety, and that puts them in a dangerous and potentially deadly situation. From 2006-2018, 62% of lightning deaths were related to leisure activities, with water-related activities contributing to 35% of deaths and 13% of deaths from sporting events. Studies have shown that people suffering from lightening injuries were only a few feet away from safety, but chose to not leave their unsafe environment. People must be cognizant of the risks of lightning producing storms and the appropriate steps to reduce the risk of lightning related injury. ![]() ![]() The greatest form of preparation is becoming educated and aware of unsafe surroundings. Death or injury from lightning occurs most often in the summer months (June-August) during athletic and outdoor activities with individuals who are alone, rather than in a large group, at the highest risk. Aside from flooding, death from lightning is the highest storm related fatality.
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