Lightning Safety for Athletics and Recreation

Journal of Athletic Training: National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement on Lightning Safety for Athletics and Recreation

Authors and Affiliations

  • Katie M. Walsh, EdD, ATC (Chair) - East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
  • Mary Ann Cooper, MD - University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine (retired)
  • Ron Holle, MS - Vaisala, Inc, Tucson, AZ
  • Vladimir A. Rakov, PhD - University of Florida, Gainesville
  • William P. Roeder - Rockledge, FL
  • Michael Ryan, PT, ATC - Jacksonville Jaguars Football, FL

Objective

  • The purpose is to present recommendations for education, prevention, and management of lightning injuries in athletics and recreation.

Background

  • Lightning poses the most severe storm-related hazard in the U.S., consistently ranking among the top two causes of storm-related deaths.
  • An average of 42 fatalities from lightning occurs yearly in the U.S., along with an estimated 10 times more injuries.
  • 15% of lightning casualties arise in organized sports; 25-30% occur in recreational activities.
  • From 2010-2011, 48% and 62% of lightning fatalities were attributed to sports and recreation, respectively.
  • High-risk timeframes for lightning are from late spring to early fall, particularly afternoon to early evening.
  • Regions with the highest thunderstorm activity include Florida and parts of the Gulf States, Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys, and Southern Rocky Mountain front range.
  • Globally, lightning causes 24,000 deaths and 240,000 injuries annually, with about 25 million lightning flashes striking the ground each year in the U.S.

Recommendations

Establish a Lightning-Specific Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
  • Implement a comprehensive EAP specifically addressing lightning safety.
    • Chain of Command: Establish authority to suspend activities.
    • Dedicated Weather Monitoring: Assign a person to monitor weather and notify others of threats.
    • Identify Safe Locations: Predefine places for evacuation during lightning threats.
    • Criteria for Suspending and Resuming Activity: Set clear guidelines for when to stop and restart activities.
    • Educational Slogans: Promote slogans supported by the National Weather Service to emphasize safety.
Recommended Slogans
  • “NO Place Outside Is Safe When Thunderstorms Are In The Area!”
  • “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”
  • “Half An Hour Since Thunder Roars, Now It’s Safe To Go Outdoors!”
Lightning and Weather Awareness
  • Utilize designated weather watchers and consider subscribing to real-time lightning detection services.
Identify Locations Safe from Lightning
  • Safe locations include:
    • Substantial, fully enclosed buildings with wiring and plumbing (e.g., schools, libraries).
    • Fully enclosed metal vehicles (e.g., school buses, cars).
Identify Locations Unsafe from Lightning
  • Unsafe places include:
    • Shelters without significant protection (picnic, bus, or rain shelters).
    • Open areas, tents, dugouts, and tall objects (trees, poles).
    • Areas near water bodies and plumbing fixtures in buildings.
Criteria for Postponement and Resumption of Activities
  • Suspend activities if:
    • A thunderstorm threatens.
    • Lightning strikes are detected within 5 nautical miles (roughly 6 statute miles).
    • Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or thunder before resuming.
Large Venue Planning
  • Develop specific plans to ensure crowd safety at large events, including provisions for safe evacuation.

First Aid Protocols

Rescuer's Safety First
  • Ensure personal safety before aiding lightning victims. Activate emergency management systems immediately.
  • Order of treatment:
    1. Assess for apnea and cardiac arrest.
    2. Assess consciousness level.
    3. Treat for potential spinal injuries.
    4. Address hypothermia issues.
Cardiac Arrest Protocol
  • CPR should commence promptly if the victim shows no heartbeat.
  • Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) must be used as soon as possible on unconscious or pulseless victims.
Notifying Participants of Lightning Danger
  • Immediate evacuation guidance must be offered as soon as thunder is heard, indicating proximity to lightning hazard.
  • Duty to Warn: Institutions must inform about lightning dangers proactively.

Lightning-Flash Development

  • Definition: Lightning is a transient, high-current electric discharge, typically featuring peak currents ranging from 30,000 A to over 200,000 A with voltage potential upwards of 50 million to 500 million V.
  • Types of Lightning: Focus primarily on cloud-to-ground lightning due to its association with injuries and fatalities.
Mechanism of Lightning Injury
  • Injuries occur through:
    • Direct strikes, contact injuries, side flashes, step voltages, upward leaders, and concussive injuries.
    • Step voltage is the most common mechanism for injuries, accounting for at least 50% of cases.
    • Injuries might manifest as cardiovascular, neurologic, or from indirect incidents (e.g., falls).
Common Effects on Humans
  • Injury types include:
    • Cardiac arrest (primary cause of death).
    • Neurological effects (seizures, memory issues).
    • Psychological implications (depression, cognitive dysfunction).

First Aid for Lightning Victims

  • Myth Debunked: Lightning victims do not retain an electrical charge post-strike; first aid can be given safely.
  • CPR and AEDs are essential, but rescuer safety must be prioritized.

Lightning Safety Policy Components

  • Policies must be formalized and communicated clearly across all stakeholders involved in sports and recreation activities.
    • Slogans and established EAP must become integral to organizational philosophy.
  • Continue practicing safety protocols, ensuring all personnel are educated and confident in implementing the EAP when needed.

Acknowledgments

  • Contributions from various experts recognized for their input on lightning safety protocols.