On the morning of June 5, a 30-year-old woman from Thanh Tri was struck by lightning while cutting vegetables in the field. Her prognosis was critical, and she was given first aid by family members before being rushed to Agriculture General Hospital. Despite doctors performing chest compressions and artificial respiration for 15 minutes, she remains in a deep coma on a ventilator, with her recovery prospects still grim.
Hanoi experienced moderate to heavy rain with thunder and lightning on the same day, resulting in over 460 lightning strikes to the ground within about ten minutes. Lightning is a dangerous weather phenomenon that can cause significant damage to people and property. Vietnam witnesses hundreds of cases of lightning strikes and casualties every year.
Doctors explain that injuries from lightning strikes are extremely complex, with very low chances of survival. The electric current from lightning passing through the body can disrupt biological processes, leading to muscle contractions, especially in the heart muscle, which can result in heart failure and stopped breathing. To avoid being struck by lightning, it is recommended to stay indoors during thunderstorms and away from open spaces, big trees, high voltage electric poles, and standing close to others during storms. It is also crucial not to use electronic devices during thunderstorms.
In the unfortunate event of being struck by lightning, immediate first aid is essential, followed by prompt transportation to the nearest medical facility for emergency treatment. Taking precautions during thunderstorms and understanding the risks associated with lightning strikes can help prevent tragedies like this one involving the 30-year-old woman from Thanh Tri.