Updated Aug. 2 at 9:26 p.m.
A man who was walking his dog along Eototo Road in Taos with his wife Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 2) was struck by lightning just before 6 p.m., sending him into cardiac arrest, according to Taos County Emergency Services Chief Chris Medina.
When medics arrived on the scene minutes later, they found the man's wife administering CPR to the man, who had no pulse. A few minutes passed as first responders discussed with dispatchers how to call in a medivac helicopter during a thunderstorm that was still producing lightning strikes in the area, when the man's heart started beating again.
According to Medina, it was the man's wife, not first responders, who resuscitated him.
"He just opened his eyes," a first responder was overheard telling Taos Central Dispatch from the scene, not far from Blueberry Hill Road. "He has burns and his hair is singed."
First responders told dispatchers that the man, whose identity was not known as of Tuesday night, was responding nonverbally as they tried to communicate with him.
Medina said he was rushed to Holy Cross Medical Center in "stable but serious condition."
This is a developing story.
(2) comments
what happened to the dog? anyone know? he was fortunate.
When you get struck by lightning 🌩 it’s helpful if your spouse is a physician
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