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Author:
Vivek Abraham, MD
PGY-1, Orthopedic Surgery
PGY-1, Orthopedic Surgery
Alexander Li, MD
PGY-1, Orthopedic Surgery
PGY-1, Orthopedic Surgery
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
Ivan Yue, MD
PGY-1, Emergency MedicineNaval 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.
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.
