Quick Answer
After a lightning strike, conduct a quick neurological assessment to check for any injuries or symptoms. This involves observing for signs of altered mental status, muscle weakness, and abnormal reflexes. Check for pupillary reactivity, respiration, and cardiac function.
Assessing Level of Consciousness
Assess the victim’s level of consciousness by asking them to respond to voice commands, such as “What’s your name?” or “Where are you?” If they do not respond, try shaking their shoulder or tapping their face to stimulate a response. Use the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to evaluate their level of consciousness, which ranges from 3 to 15, with 3 being the worst and 15 being the best.
Evaluating Neurological Function
Check for muscle weakness by asking the victim to lift their arms or legs against resistance. Check for abnormal reflexes by gently tapping their knee or ankle with a reflex hammer. Look for signs of nerve damage, such as numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the skin. Use the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) grading system to evaluate the severity of neurological deficits, which ranges from 0 to 4, with 0 being normal and 4 being severe.
Prioritizing Life-Saving Measures
If the victim is unresponsive, not breathing, or not breathing normally, begin CPR and use a defibrillator if available. If the victim is breathing normally, but has a weak pulse, provide supportive care, such as keeping them warm and calm, until medical help arrives. If the victim is conscious and has no other injuries, provide reassurance and monitor their condition closely for any changes in symptoms.
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