Lightning Strike: Where Can We Find Shelter? What Should We Do?

During the summer months, the frequency of storms and lightning strikes significantly increases. During this period, lightning strikes thousands of square kilometers each year, and statistics show that 20 to 40 people nationwide suffer from lightning strikes annually. The most common incidents usually occur during sports activities, such as running or cycling.

Lightning is an electrical discharge that occurs when warm air near the ground meets higher, colder layers of clouds. The atmospheric charge difference that develops between the positively charged cold layers and the negatively charged particles in the lower, warmer layers serves as the basis for the formation of lightning. The voltage of a lightning strike can reach up to 500 million volts, and when a strike occurs, the temperature of the air suddenly rises to thousands of degrees. The phenomenon of lightning is accompanied by thunder, which is delayed because sound travels slower than light.

Survivors of lightning strikes often face severe consequences, as the chances of survival in the case of a direct strike are extremely low. The intensity of the electric shock can be as high as 100,000 volts, leading to cardiac arrest and death. If the current passes through the surface of the body, injuries such as paralysis, amnesia, seizures, burns, or heart damage are common.

The effects of lightning strikes on the human body

A lightning strike not only has immediate physical consequences but can also have long-term effects. Research conducted at the Regensburg Clinic examined the condition of lightning strike victims by scientists and neurologists. Affected individuals often complained of various symptoms such as numbness, fatigue, and loss of sensation. According to researchers, these complaints may be the result of damage to the nervous system.

Lightning seeks the path of least resistance, so when it strikes a human body, the current flows through the veins and the peripheral nervous system. This can severely damage the nerve bundles that control movement and sensation. Among survivors of lightning strikes, psychological problems such as concentration disorders and depression are also common. Medical examinations show that a significant portion of survivors cannot return to work, which further exacerbates the post-traumatic situation.

First aid in case of a lightning strike

Providing first aid to a lightning strike victim can be life-saving. Immediate help should be called if someone has been struck by lightning. It is important to reassure the patient and continuously monitor their condition. If the injured person is unresponsive, check for vital signs and perform a breath check. If there are no signs of life, seek help immediately and begin CPR, or obtain an automated external defibrillator.

If the patient is responsive but unconscious, place them in the recovery position. Cool and cover the injured burn areas with a sterile dressing. It is important not to apply any ointments, powders, or liquids (except water) to the wounds, as these can cause further complications. Do not puncture blisters, as they provide protection against infections.

The dangers of indirect lightning strikes

Indirect lightning strikes also pose serious risks. The current that spreads in the ground at the site of a lightning strike can cause serious injuries to those nearby. If a voltage difference develops between our two feet, severe injuries can occur as a result of electric shock. The area within 10 meters of the lightning strike is considered a danger zone, but in mountainous areas, this distance can be even greater.

Late consequences of lightning strikes can also manifest, such as chronic pain, sensory disturbances, and even personality changes. Since symptoms often appear months after the accident, patients frequently do not associate their complaints with the lightning strike, making appropriate medical care more difficult.

Safety measures to follow during stormy weather

During stormy periods, it is essential to take appropriate precautions to avoid lightning strikes. Avoid staying near water, as water conducts electricity. Increased caution should also be exercised near metal objects, such as electrical antennas, as metal attracts lightning.

If we are outdoors and a storm is approaching, never seek shelter under solitary trees, as lightning is likely to strike the highest points. If there is a building nearby, move close to it. If we are in an open field, it is best to crouch down, close our feet together, and wait in this position until the storm passes.

At home during a storm, close the windows and avoid standing in front of them. Being inside a car is much safer since the metal body of the car creates a Faraday cage that prevents electricity from entering the passenger compartment. Therefore, during stormy weather, stay inside the car with the doors and windows closed.

Lightning strikes pose a serious threat, but with the right precautions, we can reduce the risks. Always be attentive to natural phenomena and follow safety recommendations!