On August 12th, 2021, St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue was dispatched to a lightning strike electrocution at 5500 Gulf Blvd (Tradewinds Island Grand Resort) at 4:53 PM.
Multiple units from St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue (Rescue 23, Special Rescue 23, and District 23) immediately responded to assist a female victim (16 years of age) who was struck by lightning behind the resort. Prior to St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue arrival, the Tradewinds staff moved the victim to a safe indoor area and provided CPR along with Pinellas County Sheriff Office (PCSO) deputies. St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue units arrived within three minutes of being dispatched and took over patient (life threatening) care providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical services.
A second victim (60-year-old male) needed medical care due to his proximity to the initial lightning strike. An additional ALS unit from St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue (Rescue 22) handled patient care for the second victim. His injuries were determined to be non-life threatening. Both victims were transported by St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue crews to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg for continued advanced care.
Fire Marshal Kelly Intzes cautioned that there is no safe place outdoors when a thunderstorm is in the area. “When you hear thunder seek cover as quickly as possible in either a substantial building or hard-topped metal vehicle and remain there for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.”
Mayor Alan Johnson stated, “We have many visitors to our area and residents who aren’t aware of the dangers of our storms. The storm’s natural beauty can be deceiving. When it comes to thunder and lightning, no storm is ‘just a small one.’ Always err on the side of caution. Our thoughts are with the victims of the lightning strike and their families. We are thankful for the quick actions of the Tradewinds staff, our Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies and the crew at the St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue.”
St. Pete Beach Fire Chief Jim Kilpatrick added that it’s advisable to stay away from isolated tall trees, towers, or utility poles as lightning tends to strike taller objects in an area. Metal and water are strong conductors of electricity and electrical current can travel long distances through them.
Information courtesy of the City of St. Pete Beach.