Struck by lightening

**dejoha** · 10-05-2010, 20:38

Mods, feel free to move this to another section if needed.

Today I am proud of my hero, my Dad. It hit home today the importance of being prepared, both in terms of first aid and also in terms of hazardous weather. This afternoon, as my Dad was walking to his car on his way home from Snow Canyon High School, he became a first responder to a tragedy: two boys were struck by lightning while sheltering under a tree outside the school. My Dad administered CPR until the paramedics arrived. The boys are currently listed in critical condition and were life flighted to Las Vegas.

I saw the story posted already to the Deseret News, although they have some of the facts mixed up.

There's not a lot you can do to prevent lighting from hitting you, but hopefully everyone knows what to do to minimize your chances. In this case, the boys were standing, taking shelter under the tree. It wasn't the tallest tree, but it was somewhat isolated. The tree was undamaged.

As a Scout leader, I am determined to do a better job training my boys.

**VegaMike** · 10-05-2010, 21:01

Wow, that's a sad story. Glad your dad was there to help.

I just returned from a troop meeting and the first thing I thought of was that it's time for refresher training.

**slackmacker** · 10-05-2010, 21:34

Out here in Omaha, We know all too well what bad weather can do to a group of campers. Little Sioux Scout Ranch is still a mess although our troop has spent many hours working on it. After being ripped to pieces by a tornado a year and a half ago. It is definitely something to take seriously.

**creativeKayt** · 10-05-2010, 22:59

Oh man. I'm sorry to hear that and hope the boys pull through okay. Glad your dad was there to help and a quick thinker. Way to go dad!

**Can't Wait** · 10-05-2010, 23:35

Fortunately your dad was there , the boys are far from out of the woods but have a better chance since your dad initiated cpr.

**Veto 65** · 10-06-2010, 00:18

Quick thinking on your dad's part, good for him. That gave those kids a fighting chance.

**Boggled** · 10-06-2010, 01:10

Was this down in St. George? This reminds me I need to renew my first responder certification... I'm glad your dad gave them the best chance of making it!

**TinaLouise** · 10-06-2010, 07:42

Give your dad a big all hug when you next see him!!

You just never know when YOU will need help or when you'll be called on to help someone else. With Scouting, I'm a firm believer in trying to prepare the boys as much as possible and in refresher first aid. I think just about every merit badge now has first aid in them somewhere.

I really hate it when I hear news about a kid being hurt. Please thank your dad again for being in the wrong place at the right time and being able to help.

**dejoha** · 10-06-2010, 11:26

News this morning reports the boys still in critical condition.

The lightning occurred at Snow Canyon High School, which is just outside St. George city limits in southern Utah.

When talking with my brother last night, who is also a Scoutmaster for a troop in St. George, we reflected about all the first aid in Scouting -- all the new Merit Badges emphasize first aid in the first requirement, but how often we skim over that stuff because "well, you know first aid, right?"

Of all the things to remember from scouting, I think First Aid ranks up there as one of the most important.