MOLINE, Ill. — An average of 41 people in the U.S. are struck by lightning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Luckily, nine of out 10 of those people survive. With the frequency of thunderstorms on the rise this time of year, it's a great time to answer this question from Travis.
What makes it possible for someone to survive being struck by lightning?
A direct strike is rare. Most people picture a lightning bolt from the sky hitting someone in the head and traveling down their body. However, these direct strikes are extremely rare.
The majority of injuries and deaths are caused by a ground current, where lightning hits a nearby object and then travels through the ground in all directions. A side flash can also occur. This means lightning hits a taller object near you, like a tree, and the current jumps from the tree to a person. These two types of strikes are less deadly since the energy is somewhat dissipated.
When your body is struck by lightning, much of the current actually passes over your skin. This is called a "flashover." The heat created from this process is enough to cause serious burns, but that is rare.
The key to your survival is being near individuals who can immediately administer CPR after you have been struck. In most cases, a person's heart will stop after being struck by lightning, so the key to survival is having someone nearby who can administer CPR.
Even if you survive, a lightning strike will have long-lasting effects on your body, including memory issues, muscle soreness and changes in mood.
It's best to seek shelter within a sturdy structure or a hard-topped vehicle if lightning threatens your location while outdoors.
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