On Sunday, August 23, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Palm Beach County Fire Rescue received a 911 call reporting a lightning strike in the 2000 block of Northwest 20th Avenue, between Northwest 22nd Street and Northwest 23rd Street. The call indicated that a person had been struck by lightning and required immediate assistance.
Fire Rescue crews arrived quickly at the location and found a child who met the department’s pediatric trauma alert criteria – defined as any person age 15 or younger who has sustained a potentially life‑threatening injury. Bystanders were already providing basic first aid, applying pressure to any visible wounds and monitoring the child’s breathing while waiting for emergency personnel.
Paramedics assessed the child on scene, confirming that the lightning strike had caused serious injuries consistent with a high‑voltage electrical event. Because of the severity of the injuries and the child’s age, the team initiated rapid transport protocols. The patient was placed on a ground ambulance equipped for pediatric trauma and taken directly to a designated trauma center for advanced medical care.
No additional injuries were reported at the scene, and there were no other individuals requiring medical attention. Fire Rescue officials emphasized the importance of bystander assistance in the critical minutes before professional responders arrived, noting that early first‑aid measures can improve outcomes in lightning‑related incidents.
Safety reminders for severe weather
Lightning strikes, while relatively rare, remain a leading cause of weather‑related injuries in Florida. State and local officials continue to advise residents to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open fields, and stay away from tall objects such as trees or metal poles. If caught outdoors, the safest action is to crouch low with feet together, minimizing contact with the ground.
Palm Beach County Emergency Management also recommends keeping a weather radio or a smartphone app with alerts enabled during the summer months, when the region experiences frequent thunderstorm activity. Families with children are urged to discuss lightning safety plans ahead of time, reinforcing the steps to take if a storm approaches while they are outside.
The child’s condition remains stable, and family members have not been identified publicly. The incident underscores the vital role of trained first responders and community members working together to protect vulnerable residents during unexpected emergencies.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
