Emergency Care: A Closer Look
In the event of a lightning strike, knowing the correct first aid procedures can be crucial. The procedure is commonly remembered as "Check, Call, Compress". If a person is unresponsive, check for signs of breathing, call for emergency services, and begin chest compressions.
If a lightning victim is in cardiac arrest, resuscitation is the most important priority. Prof. Bernd Böttiger, Federal Physician of the German Red Cross, emphasizes that immediate resuscitation measures can increase the chances of survival significantly. He further notes that in more than 80 percent of cases, resuscitation measures are successful if help is given within the first five minutes after a lightning strike.
It's important to remember that the probability of being injured in a traffic accident is much higher than that of being struck by lightning. However, when it does occur, the consequences can be severe. Direct lightning strikes can cause severe burns, bone fractures, eye injuries, and in some cases, blindness.
To reduce the risk of a lightning strike, avoid being the highest point in the area during a storm. If no shelter is available, squatting down, preferably in a depression, is recommended as it minimizes the path of the current through the body. Keeping feet close together, touching only the balls of the feet to the ground, is beneficial in an emergency situation.
Lightning releases energy with a force exceeding several million volts and can reach temperatures up to 30,000 degrees Celsius. This immense energy can disrupt the heart's rhythm, leading to cardiac arrest. If a lightning strike occurs nearby, lying flat on the ground is not advisable as the current will flow through the entire body.
In addition to physical injuries, a lightning strike can also have long-term effects on the body. The blood pressure can increase due to a lightning strike and remain elevated for several months. Nerve and muscle spasms can occur in the body parts through which the current has flowed, which can last for hours or days.
On average, 110 people per year are admitted to hospitals or receive medical treatment for injuries from lightning strikes in the United States. In Germany, on average, 4 people die each year from lightning strikes.
To perform chest compressions, kneel beside the person, place one hand in the center of their chest, and place the other hand on top. Press down 5-6 centimeters, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Using the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" as a guide can help maintain the correct compression rate.
While the searched documents do not contain the name of the expert cited in the article about thunderstorms, Prof. Böttiger has observed a beach being vitrified due to a lightning strike, demonstrating the immense power and potential destruction of these natural phenomena.
In the face of such power, it's essential to take precautions and know the correct first aid procedures. By staying informed and vigilant, we can increase our chances of staying safe during lightning storms.
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