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water’s surface. Some might think it is a good idea to stay underwater as lightning does not tend to penetrate very deeply into the water column, but this is not practical in most situations. Gas supply, no-decompression limits, body temperature and stamina are all more important considerations. If you surface from a dive in a storm, it might be reasonable to consider continuing to dive at 20 to 30 feet, especially if you surfaced far from the boat or shore and have reason to believe the storm will be short-lived or is quickly losing intensity. However, this approach should be considered

only if all safe diving guidelines can be followed; getting out of the water quickly generally is a better option.

First Aid

Victims of lightning strike are safe to touch; they do not carry a current. Administer first aid to anyone injured by lightning, and then get them to a doctor. Lightning can cause the following types of injuries:

• Burns. Electrical burns can occur anywhere on the body. Punctate, or point, burns may result where lightning enters or exits the body. Unusual feathering patterns may appear on the skin. Secondary burns from contact with metal or burning material can also occur. Apply copious water to cool burns.

• Cardiopulmonary and neurological emergencies. The cardiovascular and nervous systems are electrical systems, and the brain controls the respiratory drive. The high current of a lightning strike may cause cardiac or respiratory arrest; immediate rescue breathing or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is critically important to these individuals. Lightning may also cause nerve and brain injuries, which can result in motor, sensory, cognitive and psychological problems.

• Trauma. The blast from a lightning strike can cause serious traumatic injuries. Strike victims may be thrown significant distances. Standard treatment recommendations for wounds and musculoskeletal injuries apply (see “Field Medicine,” Alert Diver, Winter 2010 and Fall 2010). • Eye/ear injuries. In addition to the flash we see on the visible spectrum, lightning emits infrared and ultraviolet (UV) radiation as well. These UV rays can cause eye injury. Blasts may perforate eardrums. Eye or ear injuries require prompt evaluation by a physician.

When storms approach, don’t be afraid to speak up. Taking shelter in the midst of outdoor activities is annoying, but you can be the member of the group who prevents a very bad outcome for everyone. AD

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Roatan • Bay Islands Honduras

DAN Alert Diver - 2Q 2011 1/4pg 3.375” x 4.375 LO 2

At AKR , adventure & safety buddy up.