- Safe Against Lightning Worldwide
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- Safe Behaviour Against Lightning
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- Protect Yourself from Lightning
Lightning is particularly dangerous in open spaces, where people are more exposed. It is essential to be aware of the risk of being outdoors, for example, on beaches, in the mountains, in forests, in sporting competitions, in agriculture and livestock farming, and in any other activity that requires being outside.
It is in these areas that the highest number of lightning-related fatalities occur, mainly due to the absence of means of protection and the longer period between the time of the accident and access to medical attention. Ignorance of personal protection guidelines also increases the likelihood of lightning strike injuries.
The number of deaths and injuries caused by thunderstorms each year can be reduced when we know the mechanisms by which lightning causes injury to the human body, we are able to identify the danger signs with the associated risk levels, we know the preventive actions that reduce the likelihood of direct impact, and also the mitigating actions to assist people struck by lightning.
Lightning injuries to the human body may be caused by direct impact or by some indirect effect. Injuries may be due to the phenomena typical of electrocution (cardiac or respiratory arrest, burns of various degrees) as well as to trauma due to falls, falling objects, etc.
In order to protect ourselves from lightning, the first thing we need to know is to identify the warning signs. There are signs that are more obvious than others, and we must also consider that each one implies different levels of risk and, therefore, provides different anticipation time in the face of a lightning strike.
Even if seen in the distance, the storm can approach very quickly.
The time lapse between lightning and thunder indicates the distance to the last lightning strike.
Power outages are usually due to a failure in the grid due to a lightning strike.
Be careful, if our hair bristles, we are at imminent high risk.
The best solution to an accident is to prevent it. In the case of thunderstorms, there are a number of practices that help to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.
If we detect any of the risk situation indicators, we can take some actions to reduce the risk of injury, but we have to be aware that each action requires a time of execution.
If a person has been directly or indirectly injured by lightning, the first thing to do is to call the emergency services for specialised medical help. Lightning injuries can be classified according to their severity as mild, moderate and severe. Even if a victim has a minor injury and is merely dazed, it is necessary to go to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. Patients with moderate injuries, in addition to being disoriented, may have waxing and waning of the extremities for several hours. If the person is not breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be started immediately. Severely injured victims sometimes experience cardiac arrest. In these cases, cardiac resuscitation may be necessary.
