Lightning Strikes Can Be Invisible: First Aid Tips and Precautions | Health

Alappuzha: Recently, an agricultural laborer working in a field in Kharipad died instantly after being struck by lightning. Thunderstorms or lightning strikes can be extremely dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. It would be helpful to be alert when the sky becomes dark and cloudy. Lighting may not always be visible, so be sure to take precautions if you notice any changes in the sky. If you are struck by lightning, you could suffer severe burns, lose your vision or hearing, or even suffer cardiac arrest. The first 30 seconds are considered the golden time to save a life. The Indian Meteorological Department’s Damini mobile app can be used to receive thunderstorm warnings. It is important to get medical attention if someone is struck by lightning.

Precautions against lightning
1) Move indoors as soon as you notice the first signs of a thunderstorm. Be sure to avoid open spaces; During a thunderstorm, cattle or pets should not be left in open spaces.
2) Close windows and doors and stay away from them. Do not touch walls or floors.
3) Turn off electronic devices during thunderstorms.
4) Do not use phones during a thunderstorm; however, mobile phones are safe to use.
5) Don’t stand under trees. Sit inside vehicles to be safe. It is not safe to ride bicycles, motorcycles or tractors during a thunderstorm.
6) Do not fill buckets by opening taps during a thunderstorm, as electrical charges may pass through the tap.
7) Do not enter bodies of water during a thunderstorm. Stop fishing or boating and return to land as soon as you notice the first signs of a thunderstorm.
8) If you are unable to move inside a building or in a safe place, move your feet closer and squat with your head between your knees.

First aid for lightning
According to the National Disaster Management Administration, here are the steps to take if you encounter a lightning victim:
1) Call an ambulance immediately.
2) It is safe to touch the victim.
3) If you are in danger of ongoing lightning, wait until it is safe or move the victim to a safer location.
4) If the person is unresponsive, check breathing and pulse and begin CPR.
5) Continue until help arrives.
6) If the victim is conscious but disoriented, place his head below his torso and legs.