Lightning Strike Emergencies Part 2: Trauma Approach

Image Credit: Piqsels

Author:

Vivek Abraham, MD
PGY-1, Orthopedic Surgery

Additional Authors:

Ivan Yue, MD

PGY-1, Emergency Medicine
Naval Medical Center San Diego
AAEM/RSA Publications and Social Media Committee

Alexander Li, MD
PGY-1, Orthopedic Surgery

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

Introduction
Lightning strike triage and cardiac resuscitation was previously covered in part 1. Abnormal cardiac rhythms are the most common fatal complications of lightning strikes, but other complications of lightning strikes can cause high morbidity and mortality if left untreated. This article will go over injury patterns that may be seen and diagnosed in the emergency room.

Lightning Strike Emergencies Part 1: Triage and Cardiac Emergency

Image Credit: Piqsels

This post was peer reviewed.
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Author:

Vivek Abraham, MD
PGY-1, Orthopedic Surgery

Additional Authors:

Alexander Li, MD
PGY-1, Orthopedic Surgery

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

Ivan Yue, MD

PGY-1, Emergency Medicine
Naval Medical Center San Diego
AAEM/RSA Publications and Social Media Committee

 

Introduction
Lightning strikes occur commonly, with an estimated global incidence of 240,000 worldwide per year with deaths numbering 24,000.[1] As more people embark on expeditions and explore the outdoors, they are putting themselves at risk of these strikes. Due to the prevalence and mortality of lightning strikes, emergency medicine physicians and other healthcare providers should be adept in treating these life-threatening injuries. This article reviews the guidelines for triage and management of cardiac emergencies due to lightning.