How do people survive being struck by lightning?
In: Biology
Most people who are struck by lightning are wet at the time. Electricity prefers to run on the outside of a conductor, so most of the current runs on the outside. Luckily, the most critical parts of a human are in the middle of them. As a result, there can be upsets, like stopping the heart, for which prompt first-aid can allow a person to recover. Burns and nerve damage on the outer surface can be permanent, but often not life threatening.
Most people actually live after being struck by lighting. It does damage to your nerves rather than any burn damage, because the duration is too short. However most of the survivors suffer from nerve or muscle issues permanently.
Usually they have an “entry wound” burn and an “exit wound” burn as well. Where the lightning hit you, and where it grounded out.
Most lightning deaths are when you don’t get struck directly, but it strikes near you and the electrical field stops your heart
Latest Answers