The Pathophysiology of Lightning Strikes

direct strikes cause about 3% to 5% of lightning fatalities. Lightning causes human injury in one of three ways: electrical shock, secondary heat production or explosive force. You can get lightning burns that are very severe on the order of third degree burns from ground current or side flashes. In terms of first aid for lightning victims, we have to follow the basic wilderness first aid principles - secure the safety of the scene and provide basic life support.