Lakeside

The Lakeside man who was struck by lightning Thursday during an electrical storm remains in critical condition, UC San Diego Medical Center officials said.

John Endicott, 35, and his wife were standing near the driveway of their home on Silver Creek Lane northeast of Lake Jennings when he was injured, Lakeside Fire Deputy Richard Upah said. Endicott’s wife said there was a flash of light, and her husband fell to the ground. She performed CPR on him under the direction of Heartland fire and medical dispatcher Scott Cullen.

Cullen credited her with keeping her husband alive until paramedics arrived.

Lightning kills about 400 people a year worldwide, Richard K. Simons of UCSD’s trauma division said. Lightning travels at about 6,300 miles per second and at times can carry as many as 100 million volts and reach almost 5,000 degrees.

Despite the intense heat, most lethal injuries are caused by cardiac arrest. Brain damage is also a common result, Simons said. A victim’s clothing may catch on fire, but direct skin burns are usually superficial.

Simons recommends staying indoors during electrical storms, not using the telephone, avoiding high ground, and staying away from trees, poles and other tall objects.