A woman, who died after being struck by lightning in Kempton Park last week, served as a reminder that South Africa is considered one of the highest lightning ground strike areas.
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The 40-year-old woman was killed, and a second was left fighting for her life after they were struck by lightning on Jones Road on January 17.
According to Emer-G-Med, paramedics responded to the scene on Jones Road at about 18:00 when they found the two women lying on the ground.
The first woman was declared dead upon the arrival of paramedics.
The second woman was found in a critical condition and several advanced life-support interventions were needed to stabilise her before she was transported to a hospital.
Netcare 911 provided the following tips to ensure protection from a lightning strike injury:
• Avoid being outside in an open space during thunderstorms
• By hearing thunder, you are in the range of a lightning strike. Seek shelter
• Avoid contact with conductive material, such as computers and landline telephones
• Do not carry tall metal objects during thunderstorms, like golf clubs or fishing rods
• Avoid being in or near water
• Avoid elevated areas and tall objects
• A car can be a good shelter. Close all the windows and do not touch any metal part of the vehicle
• A golf car is not a safe or suitable shelter
• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder before going outside in an open-space area again
If there is no shelter:
• Crouch down
• Put your hands on your knees or over your ears to protect them from the noise of the thunder
• If you have other people with you, ensure you are at least four to five metres apart
If someone is struck by lightning:
• A person struck by lightning is safe to touch
• Immediately start CPR if the person is not breathing and does not have a pulse
• Seek emergency medical care.
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