Lightning strikes cause injury and death

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU'RE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

Types of lightning strikes:

* Direct strike: highest risk of injury/death.

* Flash-over: external injuries but internal organs not affected.

* Blast injury: injuries include ruptured ear drums, head and lung injuries.

Most common lightning injuries:

* 30 per cent of people die in the context of a strike.

* Cardiac arrest: most common cause of death.

* Brain "stunning": injuries that prompt a coma and respiratory arrest.

* Burns: from direct lighting, steam associated with humidity and clothing burns.

Strength of lighting strikes:

* Can range from two million to more than 100 million volts.

* Current can reach beyond 100,000 amps.

* Duration lasts around a millisecond.

Avoiding lightning:

* Plan activities based on weather forecasts and warnings.

* Take shelter and remain indoors.

* Stay out of the water.

Medical help:

* Remove injured person from danger and take shelter.

* Apply basic first aid assessment and CPR if not breathing.

* Contact emergency services immediately.

Source: Vice President of the Australian Medical Association and emergency physician Dr Stephen Parnis.