Living in Ohio most of my life I always loved a good storm, lightning although beautiful is very dangerous.
Now that I live in Florida I hear more often people being struck by lightning…
So it got me thinking what is lightning.and what to do if someone is struck by lightning…
What is Lightning
Lightning is nature’s way of balancing electrical charges in the atmosphere. It happens when storms create a buildup of positive and negative charges—positive at the top of clouds, negative at the bottom. When these charges become strong enough, lightning occurs, releasing a powerful spark that neutralizes the imbalance and produces thunder.
Lightning can strike inside clouds, between clouds, or from clouds to the ground. Ground strikes happen when the cloud’s bottom charge induces an opposite charge on the ground—striking the closest or most conductive object, often high points like trees or people.
Where and When Does Lightning Strike?
Most lightning strikes happen in the afternoon, especially between noon and 6 p.m., when the weather heats up and clouds form. Water bodies are especially dangerous; many injuries and fatalities happen when people are on or near open water. Tall objects like beachgoers or fishing rods also attract lightning, making outdoor activities on beaches and piers hazardous, particularly during thunderstorms.
How to Recognize and Prepare for a Storm
You can estimate how far a storm is by counting the seconds between lightning and thunder—divide that number by five to get miles. If you hear thunder, seek shelter immediately. On clear days, storms are visible from afar; in hazy conditions, they can suddenly strike.
Protection Tips
- Stay out of the water. No swimming , stay out of shower and bathtub.
- Leave beaches, piers, boats, and open areas at the first sign of lightning.
- If possible, get into a car—metal roof cars vs rag tops provide good lightning protection.
- Avoid holding or sitting outside on or near metal objects like beach umbrellas or chairs.
- If you feel a tingling sensation and your hair stands up, crouch down, cover your head, and avoid open spaces.!
What to Do if Someone is Struck by Lightning
- Ensure Your Safety First:
Before approaching, make sure the lightning threat has passed. Do not put yourself in danger of another strike. The victim is safe to handle. The body of a lightning strike victim is electrically neutral and can be handled safely. Do not fear further shock—rescue them promptly. - Call Emergency Services Immediately:
Dial 911 or your local emergency number right away. Prompt medical help is critical. - Check the Victim’s Condition:
- Do they have a pulse?
- Are they breathing?
- Are they unconscious?
- Administer First Aid & CPR if Needed:
- If unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position and monitor until help arrives.
- If no breathing or a pulse, begin CPR immediately—push hard and fast on the chest and deliver rescue breaths if trained. Remember the song by The Bee Gees staying alive? Well that’s how fast you need to do compressions.
How to Get Help
- Call Emergency Services: Always dial 911 or your local emergency number.
- Stay with the Victim: Keep them calm and comfortable until professional help arrives.
- If you have a AED near ask 911 if safe to use. Then Use Emergency Equipment: If available, use an automated external defibrillator (AED) on the victim if they are unresponsive and not breathing.
- Seek Medical Evaluation: Even if the person seems fine, lightning injuries can cause internal damage or burns requiring medical attention.
Lightning injuries are serious, but quick action and proper treatment can save lives. Always prioritize your safety first, then provide aid, and call for professional help immediately.
People who survive lightning strikes can suffer long lasting effects
Trauma
Memory Loss
Joint Pain
Brain fog
Lack of Focus
Chronic Pain
Joint Purpose 
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