Lightning-caused injuries in humans are discussed. The various types of injuries described in this chapter are not limited to outdoor lightning victims. A person staying indoors can also receive injuries either through side flashes or by lightning surges travelling along telephone or electrical distribution lines. Indeed 52 per cent of lightning accidents happen indoors. Even though the magnitude of the current to which the body is exposed could be less than those of outdoor lightning injuries, almost all the injuries mentioned above can also happen indoors. Andrews and Darveniza analysed over 300 cases of telephone-mediated lightning injuries and found that 10 per cent of the victims were severely injured. This is less, however, than the 40-60 per cent for direct strike victims. The information given here shows that an interaction with lightning strikes can have severe immediate as well as long-term consequences both for victims and their families. The best way to prevent being injured by lightning and suffering the resulting consequences is to take proper precautions during thunderstorms and to offer immediate medical assistance to those struck by lightning.

Inspec keywords: biological effects of fields; health and safety; bioelectric phenomena; lightning protection; thunderstorms; injuries; lightning

Other keywords: thunderstorms; electrical distribution lines; lightning surges; side flashes; lightning-caused injuries; indoor lightning victims; immediate medical assistance; telephone distribution lines; outdoor lightning victims; injury prevention

Subjects: Interactions of biosystems with radiations