# AI tells bystanders to wait 30 minutes after a lightning strike before touching the victim, fearing electrocution, but lightning victims are safe to touch immediately and CPR should start without delay

- **ID:** `emergency/lightning-strike-delay-cpr`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `LIGHTNING-MYTH-ERR-003`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 92%

## Root Cause

The AI perpetuates a dangerous myth that lightning victims remain electrified; lightning is a high-voltage, short-duration discharge that does not leave residual charge in the body, and delayed CPR drastically reduces survival chances

## Workarounds

1. **Check for responsiveness immediately; if unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR with chest compressions at 100-120/min. Use an AED if available—it is safe to use on lightning victims** (92% success)
   ```
   Check for responsiveness immediately; if unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR with chest compressions at 100-120/min. Use an AED if available—it is safe to use on lightning victims
   ```
2. **Call 911 but do not stop CPR; lightning victims often have respiratory arrest, so give rescue breaths if trained (30 compressions : 2 breaths). Continue until EMS arrives** (85% success)
   ```
   Call 911 but do not stop CPR; lightning victims often have respiratory arrest, so give rescue breaths if trained (30 compressions : 2 breaths). Continue until EMS arrives
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Lightning is a static discharge; no residual charge remains. Delaying CPR reduces survival from ~90% to <10% if started after 4-6 minutes (99% fail)
- **** — Unnecessary and wastes time; victim is safe to touch directly. Moving with object may cause further injury (70% fail)
- **** — Delays critical chest compressions; call 911 while another bystander starts CPR immediately (85% fail)