Woman From Ireland Survives Lightning Strike; Doctor Says Her Sneakers save her
A woman was struck by lightning while at home alone. Thankfully, she was wearing her sneakers, which according to a doctor, had saved her life.
Lightning Strikes a Woman Wearing Sneakers
Caroline Blake, a County Offaly, Ireland resident, was by the kitchen sink when he heard a huge explosion and noticed a burning smell Tuesday.
She told RTE Radio 1 (via Newsweek) that sparks shot out of the spoon as she placed it in the sink. It knocked her off her feet, and she started feeling dazed and confused about what was happening. All of it was audible to her like electricity. She also claimed to hear buzzing from the electricity.
Ireland has recently experienced harsh weather. On Tuesday (June 13), the west and southwest of the nation were battered by lightning strikes, hail, and strong winds.
Blake explained that the sensation was difficult to describe because it happened rapidly but felt ephemeral. She wasn't sure what to do following the event because she was alone then. She claimed she had barely enough stamina to call her husband, who had already started heading home.
But the storm intensified significantly at that point, and she was worried. She didn't want any of them to drive due to her condition.
Fortunately, her daughter showed up soon after. She was transported to the hospital. The doctor told her she was fortunate, thanks to her rubber shoes.
According to the doctor, her rubber-soled shoes were what kept her alive. Blake was wearing runners at the time.
Electricity does not conduct well through rubbers. Rubber is an insulator and blocks the flow of electricity through it.
The doctor gave Blake some pills and held her in for a few hours, but everything turned out well. She was later discharged.
Blake said she felt "hungover" and could only best describe it as a "bad headache." She also suffered some burns on her wrist and a sore eye.
ALSO READ: What Causes Thunder and Lightning?
How Dangerous Is Lightning?
In the United States, storm-related deaths are primarily caused by lightning. A lightning strike can cause a cardiac arrest (heart stopping) at the accident scene, though some victims who are revived but have irreparable brain damage may appear to have died a few days later.
Forty-three confirmed lightning fatalities per year have been reported in the United States on average over the past 30 years (1989-2018), according to NWS Storm Data. Ninety percent of those hit by lightning suffer from various degrees of disability, with only 10% dying. More recently, the U.S. has experienced 27 lightning-related fatalities on average over the past ten years (2009-2018).
Debilitating wounds, burns, and continuing disabilities, including signs like seizures and memory loss, have been experienced by survivors.
So, if one is struck by lightning, you should call 911 immediately, according to the National Weather Service, CNN reported.
Per CDC, people who have been struck by lightning don't have an electrical charge, making it safe to touch and move them. Get them inside if you can. The person may require CPR if their breathing or heart has stopped.
RELATED TOPIC: Survivors Describe What It Feels Like After Being Struck By Lightning
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