Can a person be struck by lightning more than once, and how should EMS respond to such events?

• A. Yes; reassess after each strike and treat each event as a new incident with appropriate assessment and intervention.
• B. No; a person cannot be struck by lightning more than once.
• C. Yes, but only if the first strike occurred within five minutes of the second.
• D. No; once treated for a strike, no further assessment is needed.

Answer: (A)

Lightning can strike a person more than once. In a single storm, there can be several discharges, and someone who has already been struck may experience additional injuries or complications with each new strike. Because each strike can cause different or new problems—such as cardiac rhythm disturbances, respiratory arrest, or neurologic effects—EMS should recheck the person after every strike and treat each event as its own incident.

So, after the first strike, perform a full primary survey and intervene for any life-threatening conditions. If the person is unresponsive or not breathing with a pulse, start CPR and apply an AED as indicated. Then, as new information or changes appear, reassess again and provide appropriate care—airway management, breathing support, circulation, burns, trauma as needed—and continue monitoring and transport. Ensure the scene remains safe to prevent another strike, and be prepared for delayed or evolving symptoms that may arise after subsequent discharges.