Here’s the myth: if someone gets struck by lightning, you shouldn’t touch them because they’re still carrying a charge. It sounds logical. It’s completely false. And it kills people.
According to the CDC, lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge. None. Zero. You will not be electrocuted by touching them. The electricity from a lightning strike passes through the body in an instant — it doesn’t stay there waiting to zap the next person who comes close.
So if someone near you gets struck, you can run to them. You should run to them.
Once you’re with them, CPR should be attempted immediately if they’re unresponsive and not breathing. Lightning strikes can stop the heart. Fast action — like, right now, not after you’ve thought about it for thirty seconds — is the difference between someone walking away and someone not making it. If you’re not trained in CPR, hands-only CPR (hard, fast chest compressions in the center of the chest) is better than doing nothing.
Call 911 immediately — or shout for someone nearby to call while you start CPR. Don’t stand there frozen waiting for help while someone’s heart isn’t beating. Start CPR.
One thing that actually does matter: make sure the danger has passed before you rush in. If there’s still lightning in the area, get to a safer position first if you can. But the person themselves? Completely safe to touch.