In first aid for lightning, which action is performed first?

• A. Check for airway, breathing and circulation
• B. Move patients carefully to a safer location if needed
• C. Immediately administer chest compressions
• D. Check blood pressure

Answer: (B)

In a lightning emergency, the first priority is scene safety. If you can move the person to a safer location without putting yourself at risk, do so before touching or assessing them. The hazards from a lightning strike environment—live electrical sources, fires, and the risk of another strike—make it essential to remove the person from danger first. Once they’re in a safer spot, you would then assess their condition ( responsiveness, breathing, and circulation), summon help, and start appropriate care such as CPR if needed. Checking blood pressure is not a immediate first step, and chest compressions are only started if there is no pulse.