What should you ensure when treating an unresponsive man who was struck by lightning?

In emergency medical situations, especially involving traumatic incidents like being struck by lightning, ensuring the safety of both the rescuer and the patient is paramount. The first step in treating an unresponsive man who was struck by lightning is to confirm that the scene is secure. If the environment poses additional dangers, such as risk of further lightning strikes, electrical hazards, or unstable surroundings, rescuers should relocate the patient to safety before administering any medical care.

Once the area is safe, appropriate treatment can follow, which may include assessing the patient’s responsiveness, checking for breathing, and determining the need for CPR. While the other options outline important considerations—such as CPR, spinal precautions, or airway management—none of these can be performed effectively unless the immediate environment is secure. Therefore, the safety of both the healthcare provider and the patient is the first priority in this scenario.