If someone is struck by lightning, what should you do immediately?

 If someone is struck by lightning, what should you do immediately?

Lightning incidents have increased in Nepal with the pre-monsoon. According to the National Disaster Mitigation Authority, the average number of deaths from lightning in Nepal is around 100 every year, based on data from the past 11 years.

What precautions should be taken when struck by lightning? Many people have lost their lives and many have been injured due to lightning due to lack of awareness of what to do if struck by lightning.

Why does lightning strike?

Lightning strikes during the monsoon are a natural weather cycle. Lightning is a type of 'electric charge'. When opposite directions of clouds collide, a current is generated there and a large plume of fire comes out of it. This is called 'lightning flash'.

In this way, a loud noise is made when two clouds collide. The movement of clouds in the sky and their collision and friction with each other generate a type of electric current. The current generated in this way is called an electric molecule proton in scientific language. The proton molecules are struck by magnetic force towards the ground to obtain the neutral molecules present in the earth.

Effects of lightning

When lightning strikes, current enters through the head and exits through the feet, which can cause burns to the head and feet, fractures, hearing or vision problems. Some people may also experience irregular heartbeats.

Half of all deaths from lightning occur after the lightning has stopped. Therefore, you should wait for half an hour after the lightning strikes.

Lightning is usually more likely to strike fields, open fields, high places, ponds, rivers, and cliffs. Therefore, you should stay away from such places as soon as you see a lightning strike.

What to do if you are struck by lightning?

– If you see someone near you being struck by lightning, call an ambulance as soon as possible to take them to the nearest hospital.

– First aid should be given until the ambulance arrives.

– Some people may avoid touching the victim for fear of getting electrocuted, which is wrong. Since there is no residual electric current in people who have been struck by lightning, it is safe to touch them.

– If the victim is unconscious and the person struck by lightning is observed until the doctor arrives, check to see if they are breathing. You can feel the air coming from the person struck by lightning by placing two fingers or ears near their nose and mouth.

– You can also check the heart rate by feeling it.

– If you think they are not breathing, feel their pulse for about 10 seconds. When feeling, place two fingers firmly on their wrists and neck and feel for a steady beat. This indicates that blood is circulating in the body.

– If you cannot find a pulse, give CPR immediately.

– To perform CPR, give firm push to the center of the chest with both hands. Push about 100 to 120 times in a minute. This may also release water from the lungs. Even if the ambulance arrives in the meantime, CPR should be continued.

– Since lightning usually enters through the head and exits through the legs, the head and legs may be burned, bones may be broken, and there may be loss of hearing or vision. Therefore, these things should be checked.

– If there is bleeding from minor injuries, bandage them.

How to avoid lightning?

– As soon as lightning flashes in the sky, you should understand that lightning is about to strike, and you should stay still.

– It is better to sit on the ground in a low place with your hands on your knees and your head bowed.

– You should not open an umbrella or use a mobile phone at this time. Because the metal in these objects helps to draw the current towards the body.

– If you are indoors when lightning strikes or when thunder is heard from the clouds, you should stay away from electrical appliances.

– You should not go out to work in the fields at such times. If you are in the field, you can stay in a nearby hut or shed.

– Windows and doors should be closed. Do not stay on the veranda or roof. In addition, it is not advisable to touch anything connected to electricity. If possible, stay away from metal pipes, taps, and wash basins for some time.

– During a lightning strike, you should not stand under trees, tall buildings, or in open areas. When standing in high places, stand separately instead of standing in groups. The best thing to do is to take shelter in a nearby house.

– If lightning strikes during a journey, you should stay in your car. If you are on a bike, you can stop immediately and stay at home or at a party.

– Stay away from electricity or telephone poles and any machines. If you are underwater or on a boat, you should get out immediately.