Lightning

Question 1

What are the 6 types of lightning strikes?

Answer 1

Direct Hit (5%)
Splash: Bolt his an object and jumps to the victim (30%)
Step Voltage: Voltage to ground and into a person due to the better conductive pathway a human offers. (50%)
Contact strikes: surface arch from touching conductive material (15-25%)
Upward Streamer Current: Travels up from ground without a nearby strike (due to multiple ground types with 1 better than the other) (10-15%).
Blunt Trauma: Concussive force of strike.

Question 2

What are the most common side effects from a lightning strike of any kind?

Answer 2

Burn
Cardiac arrest/arrythmia
Fractures
Confusion
Amnesia
Seizures
Paralysis (temporary)
Dysphagia
Extremely muscular contractions (can break C-spine)
Ruptures of TM

Question 3

How do we triage lightning/electrocution injuries?

Answer 3

In reverse of normal. Deceased need immediate care to be possible to survive. Anyone moving/breathing does not require immediate attention. Those who are apneic and pulseless require CPR.

Question 4

How far can lightning strike?

Answer 4

If you can hear thunder, it can strike that far. Get to safety.

Question 5

Name some tips for lightning safety. Think AVOID, SEEK, KEEP, REMEMBER, WATCH.

Answer 5

AVOID: water, high ground, metal, close contact with others, contact with dissimilar objects, open spaces.
SEEK: uniform shrubs/trees, ditches/low ground, get low in a crouching position with feet together and hands on ears.
KEEP: shelter for 30 minutes following last thunder/lightning.
REMEMBER: lightning can propagate up to 6 miles in front/behind a storm.
WATCH: For piloerection, abnormal taste/smell.