Surprisingly, the chances of surviving a lightning strike are quite high, with approximately 90% of victims surviving the experience. While lightning is an incredibly powerful discharge of electricity reaching temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun, most strikes are not "direct hits." Instead, people are often affected by "side flashes" (where lightning jumps from a nearby object), "ground current" (where the electricity travels through the earth to the person), or "conduction" (touching a metal object). The immediate danger of a strike is cardiac or respiratory arrest, as the massive electrical jolt can "short-circuit" the body's natural rhythms. However, if the victim receives immediate CPR or a shock from an AED, they can often be revived. While survival is likely, the long-term effects can be devastating and permanent. Survivors frequently suffer from chronic neurological issues, including memory loss, personality changes, nerve damage, and intense chronic pain. Many also experience "Lichtenberg figures," which are temporary, fern-like branching patterns on the skin caused by the rupture of capillaries. So, while you are likely to "survive," a lightning strike is a life-altering event that requires extensive medical and psychological rehabilitation.