A 71-year-old woman has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after she was struck by lightning.

It is understood that the woman was standing underneath a tree in her Arcadia residence when the lighting struck her and the tree. The patient went into cardiac arrest and bystanders commenced CPR.

CareFlight’s Rapid Response Helicopter was tasked shortly after 5:15pm and landed in an adjoining paddock. CareFlight’s aeromedical crew made their way to the scene of the incident where NSW Ambulance paramedics were continuing CPR.

CareFlight’s specialist doctor and NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic provided additional treatment, intubating the woman to stabilise her.

The CareFlight and NSW Ambulance critical care team continued treatment as the woman was flown by to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition.

NSW Police and the Rural Fire Service also responded to the scene of the incident and helped safely contain the fire.