We are approaching autumn, one of the most popular times to do the Camino de Santiago. However, with the arrival of autumn also begins the time when the rains (and even storms) become more frequent. For the pilgrims who do the Camino, this implies a risk that we must not rule out remotely: that of being struck by lightning during a storm.
In the countryside, indeed, the risk of being hit is much higher than in the city, since there are no tall buildings with metallic structures that "attract" lightning. To avoid this, it is best that the storm does not catch us in the middle of a stage. Therefore, when planning our daily route, we must follow the following advice:
- Pay attention to the weather forecasts, if possible storms are announced.
- Once on the Camino, watch if the sky darkens or lightning occurs, and go to a safe place immediately.
- In summer, lightning storms usually form after four in the afternoon, so it's a good idea to finish the stage before then.
If even so the storm has surprised us in the open field, it is convenient to know the following:
- You have to withdraw from any high place (hills, hills, etc.), and take refuge in low areas. It is not convenient to lie on the floor, however, since electrical currents can travel through it.
- Get rid of all metal objects, and place them at least 30 meters away. This also includes turning off and putting away mobile phones.
- In the same way, it is advisable to stay away from metallic objects such as fences, telephone lines, towers, machinery, as well as bodies of water (rivers, puddles...)
- Do not start running, and even less with wet clothes. Our movement could create turbulence in the air that attracts lightning.
- Avoid open and clear terrain at all costs, since we will excel in them and could attract lightning.
- In the same way, it is not advisable to take refuge under trees, rocks and other prominent and lonely elements.
Where can we take refuge then? A forest or group of trees it can be a good spot, especially if there are other taller trees nearby. The best place to hide, however, is a closed car, with the engine off, the radio antenna down and the windows closed. If lightning strikes, the car will be electrically charged only on the outside, while the interior is protected, due to the physical phenomenon known as "Faraday cage". Of course, when leaving the car, it is not convenient to touch any metallic element of it.
If we cannot take refuge in a car and we have to continue in the countryside, the safest position is squat, as low as possible, with hands on knees and touching the ground only with footwear.
If a person has been struck by lightning, these are the first aid measures that we must take:
- If he is unconscious, check for a pulse and breathing.
- If not breathing, start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; if there is no pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers. People who suffer cardiorespiratory arrest due to lightning are more likely to come out of it than those due to other causes, so it is necessary to start resuscitation as soon as possible.
- Also check for other injuries, such as fractures and burns. Do not move her if she has vertebral fractures.
- Keep the person warm until the arrival of the rescue teams.
(Source: Professional Association of Forest Agents of the CC. AA. from Madrid).
