#Lightning strike scar skin

Most often, side flash victims have taken shelter under a tree to avoid rain or hail.

Side flashes generally occur when the victim is within a foot or two of the object that is struck. In essence, the person acts as a “short circuit” for some of energy in the lightning discharge. While the ability to survive any lightning strike is related to immediate medical attention, the amount of current moving through the body is also a factor.Ī side flash (also called a side splash) occurs when lightning strikes a taller object near the victim and a portion of the current jumps from taller object to the victim.

#Lightning strike scar skin

The heat produced when lightning moves over the skin can produce burns, but the current moving through the body is of greatest concern. In most direct strikes, a portion of the current moves along and just over the skin surface (called flashover) and a portion of the current moves through the body-usually through the cardiovascular and/or nervous systems. Direct strikes are not as common as the other ways people are struck by lightning, but they are potentially the most deadly. Most often, direct strikes occur to victims who are in open areas. Immediate medical attention, including calling 911, starting CPR, and using an AED, may be critically important to keep the person alive until more advanced medical care arrives.Ī person struck directly by lightning becomes a part of the main lightning discharge channel. Any of these types of strikes can be deadly. It is not always possible to know exactly how a victim has been struck, but here is a list of ways that lightning strikes its victims.