# AI tells bystanders to wait 30 minutes after a lightning strike before touching the victim, fearing electrocution, but lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge

- **ID:** `emergency/lightning-victim-touch-delay`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `LIGHTNING-TOUCH-ERR-004`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 92%

## Root Cause

A common myth holds that lightning strike victims remain electrified; in reality, lightning is a massive current that passes through the body instantly, leaving no residual charge, so immediate CPR and rescue are safe and critical.

## Version Compatibility

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

## Workarounds

1. **Immediately check for breathing and pulse. If absent, start CPR (30 compressions to 2 breaths) and have someone call 911. Use an AED if available; lightning strike victims have high survival with early defibrillation.** (90% success)
   ```
   Immediately check for breathing and pulse. If absent, start CPR (30 compressions to 2 breaths) and have someone call 911. Use an AED if available; lightning strike victims have high survival with early defibrillation.
   ```
2. **If multiple victims, prioritize those who are not breathing or have no pulse. Those who are conscious and moving likely have milder injuries; treat burns and fractures secondarily.** (85% success)
   ```
   If multiple victims, prioritize those who are not breathing or have no pulse. Those who are conscious and moving likely have milder injuries; treat burns and fractures secondarily.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Standing by helplessly for 30 minutes while the victim is in cardiac arrest; every minute without CPR reduces survival by 10%. (95% fail)
- **** — Using a non-conductive object (e.g., wooden stick) to move the victim, wasting time; the victim is safe to touch immediately. (70% fail)
- **** — Calling 911 and waiting for instructions without starting CPR; dispatch may repeat the same myth, delaying critical care. (80% fail)