The storm is still dangerous, but the person is safe to touch. Call emergency services, reduce further exposure, and begin CPR if needed.
Seeing someone struck by lightning is frightening, and the seconds afterward can feel unreal. Start with one fact that clears away a dangerous myth: a lightning-strike victim does not retain an electrical charge. It is safe to touch them.
Call emergency services immediately. Tell the dispatcher how many people were struck, your exact location, and whether lightning is continuing. Look around before moving in; a rescuer standing in an open field or beside an isolated tree is still exposed. If it can be done safely, move the person away from continuing danger. Do not move them if you suspect major bleeding or broken bones unless the location itself is unsafe.
Check whether the person is breathing and has a pulse. Lightning can cause cardiac arrest. If they are not breathing, begin rescue breaths if you are trained. If there is no pulse, start CPR and continue until professional help arrives. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions if you are unsure.
If the person is breathing, watch for burns, shock, confusion, hearing problems, or injuries caused by a fall. Keep them warm and still while you wait.
This is emergency guidance, not a substitute for professional care. Even someone who seems awake after a strike needs urgent medical assessment. The kindest thing in a panicked moment is often the simplest: call, check, and stay with them.
Source: CDC lightning safety guidance.