Lightning strikes could be invisible: First aid tips and precautions

Alappuzha: Recently, an agriculture labourer working in a field at Haripad was killed instantly after being struck by lightning. If proper precautions aren't taken, thunderstorms or lightning strikes could be extremely dangerous. It would help to be alert when the sky turns dark and cloudy. Lightening may not always be visible, so do not forget to take precautions when you notice any changes in the sky. You could suffer severe burns, lose eyesight or hearing or even suffer cardiac arrest when lightning strikes you. The first 30 seconds is considered the golden time to save life. Damini mobile app by the Indian Meteorological Department could be used to receive thunderstorm alerts. It is important to provide medical help when someone gets struck by lightning.

Precautions to take against lightning
1) Move to enclosed buildings as soon as you notice the first signs of lightning. Be sure to avoid open spaces; cattle or pet animals shouldn’t be left in open spaces during thunderstorms.
2) Close the windows and doors and stay away from them. Do not touch the walls or floors.
3) Unplug the electronic appliances during thunderstorms.
4) Do not use telephones during thunderstorms; however, it is safe to use mobile phones.
5) Do not stand underneath trees. Sit inside the vehicles to be safe. It isn’t safe to use bicycles, motorbikes, or tractors during thunderstorms.
6) Avoid filling buckets by turning on taps during thunderstorms, as electric charges may travel through the tap.
7) Do not get into waterbodies when there is lightning. Stop fishing or boating and return to land as soon as you notice the first signs of a thunderstorm.
8) If you cannot move inside a building or a safe place, place your feet closer and squat down with your head between the knees.

First aid for lightning
According to the National Disaster Management Authority, here are the steps to be taken if you come across a lighting victim:
1) Call an ambulance immediately
2) It's safe to touch the victim
3) If you are in danger of ongoing lightning, wait until it's safe or move the victim to a safer place
4) If the person is unresponsive, check for breathing and pulse and begin CPR
5) Continue until help arrives
6) If the victim is conscious but disoriented, lay them down with their head lower than their torso and legs.