Catalog

Abstract -- Lightning strikes the earth millions of times every day. Lightning causes serious injuries in 1000-1500 individuals and over 1000 people death every year worldwide. Lightning causes damage to a wide range of body systems including cardiopulmonary, neurological, vascular, cutaneous burns, ophthalmic, and otological injuries. The most common cause of death in lightning strikes is cardiopulmonary arrest. If multiple persons are struck by lightning, triage priorities must be reversed. Those in cardiac and/or respiratory arrest must be treated first. Lightning-injured patients often require a combination of cardiac and trauma care. Care for all persons hit by lightning is aimed at initial immobilization of the spinal column, basic and advanced life support, and then supportive care. Management of burns, cardiac arrhythmias, and blunt trauma injuries should proceed according to standard advanced cardiac and trauma treatment principles. About 70 percent of survivors sustain significant morbidity and permanent sequela. Preventive measures and lightning safety education are the most effective methods to minimize the mortality and morbidity of lightning injury. Familiarity with and implementation of lightning safety guidelines is everyone? responsibility to decrease lightning injuries.