What’s it like to be struck by lightning?

A lightning strike is a powerful and natural electrical discharge that occurs during a thunderstorm. Lightning can be attracted to tall and conductive objects such as trees, buildings, and people. Although it is rare to be struck by lightning, this situation can be fatal. In this article, we will discuss what it feels like to be struck by lightning, the symptoms, treatments, and prevention.

What does it feel like to be struck by lightning?

When a person is struck by lightning, the electrical discharge can pass through the body, causing a range of symptoms that can vary from person to person. Symptoms may include:

• Loss of consciousness

Lightning can temporarily leave a person unconscious, with the duration varying from a few seconds to several minutes. This happens because the electrical discharge passes through the body, affecting the central nervous system.

Additionally, it is important to note that loss of consciousness is just one of many symptoms that can occur after being struck by lightning. Therefore, if you or someone you know is struck, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately.

• Burns

The electrical discharge from a lightning strike can cause internal and external burns on the skin, with severity varying according to the intensity of the discharge. Therefore, it is essential to assess the extent of the burns and seek medical help immediately.

However, it is important to remember that burns can be more severe in certain parts of the body, such as the face, trunk, and extremities. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures to avoid being struck by lightning and minimize the risk of serious injuries.

• Eye injuries

Lightning can cause severe eye injuries, such as cataracts, vision loss, and even eye removal. Therefore, it is important to protect the eyes during an electrical storm, avoiding being in open areas or near metal objects.

If you or someone you know is struck by lightning and feels discomfort or pain in the eyes, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately. Remember that prevention is the best way to avoid eye injuries caused by electrical discharges, so follow the safety measures recommended during a storm.

• Respiratory problems

It can cause severe respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, cough, and even pulmonary edema. These symptoms may be immediate or may arise hours after exposure to the electrical discharge.

However, it is important to seek medical help immediately if you or someone you know feels any respiratory discomfort after being struck by lightning. Additionally, it is essential to follow preventive measures to minimize the risk of exposure to electrical discharges during storms, such as avoiding open or elevated areas and taking shelter in safe places.

• Cardiac problems

The electrical discharge from a lightning strike can cause severe cardiac problems, such as arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and even sudden death. These symptoms may occur immediately after exposure to the electrical discharge or hours later.

Therefore, if you or someone you know is struck by lightning, it is essential to seek medical help immediately, even if there are no apparent symptoms. It is important to remember that prevention is the key to avoiding serious injuries caused by electrical discharges, so follow the safety measures recommended during a storm, such as avoiding open areas and taking shelter in safe places.

Treatments after being struck by lightning

If you or someone you know is struck by lightning, it is important to seek medical help immediately. The following are common treatments that can be used to treat a person struck by lightning:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

If the person struck by lightning is unconscious and not breathing, it is important to start CPR immediately.

• Oxygenation

If the person struck by lightning is having respiratory problems, they may need oxygenation to maintain breathing.

• Burn Treatment

After being struck by lightning and suffering burns, it is important to treat them properly to avoid infections and other problems.

• Treatment of Eye Injuries

If the person struck by lightning has eye injuries, surgery or other procedures may be necessary to correct the problem.

• Treatment of Cardiac Problems

If the person struck by lightning has cardiac problems, specific treatment may be necessary to correct the problem.

How to Avoid Being Struck by Lightning

To avoid being struck by lightning, it is essential to follow some safety measures during an electrical storm. Avoid open and elevated areas, such as open fields and beaches, and do not take shelter under tall trees or near metal objects, such as fences, poles, and power towers.

However, if you are inside a building, avoid using landline phones and appliances connected to the socket. In addition, stay away from windows and external doors and avoid taking a shower or using running water during an electrical storm. Always remember that prevention is the best way to avoid serious injuries caused by electrical discharges.