First aid to lightning victims while waiting for professional medical attention can save their lives. It is safe to touch a lightning strike victim. If possible, give basic first aid.
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Call helpline number; 112, 100, 108, or 1070. Give directions to exact location, and information about the strike victim.
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Take the victim to a hospital, if possible.
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Check to see if the victim is breathing, and has a heartbeat.
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The best place to check for a pulse is the carotid artery, which can be located on the neck directly below the jaw.
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Check the following and accordingly provide first aid:
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Breathing– if breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
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Heartbeat– if the heart has stopped, start cardiac compressions as well (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; CPR).
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Pulse– if the victim has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check for the impact point, and where the electricity left the body for injury marks. Also be alert for nervous system damage, broken bones and loss of hearing, and eyesight.
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Check for signs of temporary hearing loss, and flash blindness.
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Be aware of the continuing lightning danger to both the victim, and rescuer. If the area where the victim is located is high risk, move the victim immediately to a safer location.
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If multiple people have been struck, tend to those who are unconscious first.