Walking Well: Lightning

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Getting caught on top of Max Patch or any other bald, the highest risk locations, with the threat of an electrical storm calls for quick judgment and action. But prevention should start with continuous monitoring of weather conditions. I routinely scan the sky at least every 15 minutes for signs of weather change.

When you see that a possible electrical storm is developing, first avoid or flee from a danger zone, which is a high exposed target area for lightning. Half of all fatalities occur out in the open. If you are caught up there with electrical activity in the clouds, you have to decide whether to move upright quickly away from the area as a continuing target or to hit the ground away from any metal in your pack. It is possible to estimate the distance to the lightning by timing the interval between the flash and thunder (5 seconds equals 1 mile). If activity starts several miles away and the interval decreases, you can estimate when it will get to you. A typical storm travels at about 20 mph; you cannot outrun it.

In the open, stay away from single trees or other targets, especially metal towers. Ten percent of fatalities occur under single trees. Crouching on the ground on your feet offers a smaller grounding path, which minimizes the chance of getting struck.

Seek refuge in a building (but not an isolated shed in a field) or vehicle.

In a forest, wait out the storm in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.

Metal objects such as packs and ski poles can attract lightning. It is also possible that tent poles could attract lightning.

A dry deep cave is a good spot but the base of a cliff or a shallow cave is not.

Most victims (two of every three) survive a lightning strike. Injuries are usually limited to superficial burns, since the skin is a high-resistance membrane and the very brief charge flashes over the surface. Some victims require cardiac resuscitation because penetrating electrical currents can depolarize and stop the normal electrically controlled heart rhythm. Neurological disturbances, including brain, eye, and ear damage may occur, resulting in respiratory arrest and coma. Shock, stupor, confusion, convulsions, paralysis, and numbness may be noted. Both cardiac and respiratory stoppage may be temporary, but respiratory arrest is usually shorter-lasting. The blast can cause rupture of internal organs (liver, spleen, kidneys). There may be long-lasting effects and some problems with a delay in onset.

If you are faced with disaster, immediately check unconscious victims for pulse. If there is no heartbeat start resuscitation. CPR may succeed up to about ten minutes after the strike. Conscious victims with injuries will probably survive, but all should have a thorough medical examination and appropriate treatment.