# AI tells bystanders to wait 30 minutes after a lightning strike before touching the victim, fearing electrocution, but lightning victims do not retain charge; immediate CPR is safe and critical

- **ID:** `emergency/lightning-strike-cpr-hesitation`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `LIGHTNING-CPR-ERR-006`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 90%

## Root Cause

A common myth holds that lightning strike victims remain electrified; in truth, lightning is a DC discharge that dissipates instantly. The victim is safe to touch, and cardiac arrest from asystole requires immediate CPR and defibrillation (AED).

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| NOAA Lightning Safety Guidelines 2024 | active | — | — |
| AHA CPR Guidelines 2020 | active | — | — |
| Wilderness Medical Society Lightning 2023 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Immediately check for breathing and pulse. If absent, start CPR at 100-120 compressions per minute (2-2.4 inches depth). Use AED as soon as available. Example: call 911, then begin compressions while someone fetches AED.** (90% success)
   ```
   Immediately check for breathing and pulse. If absent, start CPR at 100-120 compressions per minute (2-2.4 inches depth). Use AED as soon as available. Example: call 911, then begin compressions while someone fetches AED.
   ```
2. **If multiple victims, prioritize those who are not breathing (cardiac arrest) over those who are conscious; triage by respiratory status** (85% success)
   ```
   If multiple victims, prioritize those who are not breathing (cardiac arrest) over those who are conscious; triage by respiratory status
   ```
3. **Do not move victim unless in immediate danger (e.g., ongoing lightning risk). Provide rescue breaths if trained: 2 breaths after 30 compressions** (85% success)
   ```
   Do not move victim unless in immediate danger (e.g., ongoing lightning risk). Provide rescue breaths if trained: 2 breaths after 30 compressions
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Victim has no charge; delay reduces survival from ~90% (immediate CPR) to near 0% after 5 minutes (99% fail)
- **** — EMS response can take 10+ minutes; brain damage begins after 4-6 minutes without CPR (95% fail)
- **** — Unnecessary; victim is not electrified; moving without spinal precautions may worsen injuries (90% fail)