Steve had been boating on the Potomac River near Woodbridge, VA with family and friends the day of the strike. While heading back to the marina, a severe storm hit the area. Strong winds caused 6-8 foot swells and it was deemed unsafe to enter the marina in such rough water. While riding out the storm on the water just outside the marina, the wind unsnapped the canvas from the radar arch. Steve began holding the canvas close to the radar arch in an effort to stop the rain from coming in the boat. After approximately 25 minutes, the storm began to weaken and the water became slightly calmer.
While the details are not completely clear, it is believed that an arc from a larger lightning bolt connected with the radar arch. Steve was touching a metal strip that ran the length of the arch and received an electric shock throughout his entire body. He fell onto a seat behind him and clutched his hands.
On July 25, 2010, Steve Radcliff survived a lightning strike while boating on the Potomac River. This site is dedicated to his family, friends and loved ones who wish to follow his journey of recovery.
Although Steve had no external burns, he was unconscious and in extreme pain. Passengers began checking his pulse and attempted to keep him conscious by talking to him. An urgent mayday was hailed to the Coast Guard and the boat immediately headed into the marina. Luckily, EMT's were waiting for Steve by the time the boat was docked. They promptly took his vital signs and told everyone that the first order of business was to make sure that his heartbeat was steady. It was quickly determined that his heart had a steady rhythm so their next goal was to stabilize him for life-flight transport to the hospital.
While the initial intent was to transport him via helicopter, it was decided that the storm was too severe for flight. He was driven by ambulance to Washington Hospital Center's Burn Unit.
Steve was admitted into the hospital and carefully tested to confirm the full extent of his injuries. While there were no external burns, the muscles in both forearms and calves were severely burned internally. With these types of burns, muscles shed the burned cells at a fast rate. If the body is not thoroughly hydrated, the cells that have been shed can clog the kidneys, causing kidney failure. Steve was monitored closely over the next few days, watching for signs of kidney failure and/or swelling in his arms and legs. Swelling was expected, but too much would have indicated that his body was not shedding the burned cells quickly enough.
After being stabilized, poked, prodded and getting no sleep at all, Steve was released from the hospital the following Tuesday to begin his long road to recovery.
