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

- **ID:** `emergency/lightning-strike-wait-30-minutes`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `LIGHTNING-MYTH-ERR-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 85%

## Root Cause

AI perpetuates a dangerous myth that lightning strike victims are electrified; in reality, lightning is a direct current discharge that does not linger in the body, so rescuers can safely touch victims immediately, and delay in CPR dramatically reduces survival chances (each minute without CPR decreases survival by 10%).

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| CPR_guidelines_AHA_2020 | active | — | — |
| lightning_current_30kA | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Immediately check for responsiveness and breathing; if absent, start CPR (30 compressions : 2 breaths) and call 911; use AED if available** (85% success)
   ```
   Immediately check for responsiveness and breathing; if absent, start CPR (30 compressions : 2 breaths) and call 911; use AED if available
   ```
2. **If multiple victims, treat those who appear dead first (respiratory arrest is common) — they have highest chance of recovery with immediate CPR** (70% success)
   ```
   If multiple victims, treat those who appear dead first (respiratory arrest is common) — they have highest chance of recovery with immediate CPR
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Critical golden window for CPR is lost; brain damage occurs within 4-6 minutes without oxygen (99% fail)
- **** — Unnecessary delay; victim is not electrified, and such tools do not improve safety (90% fail)