Table of contents
Lightning injury
What's new
Added 2014 WMS guidelines for the evaluation and management of lightning injury.
Guidelines
Key sources
The following summarized guidelines for the evaluation and management of lightning injury are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS 2014)....
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Diagnostic investigations
Cardiac evaluation: as per WMS 2014 guidelines, Obtain a screening ECG and echocardiography in high-risk patients once evacuated, including patients experiencing a direct strike or patients complaining of chest pain or dyspnea.
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Neurologic evaluation
Dermatologic evaluation
Ophthalmologic evaluation
Otolaryngologic evaluation
Medical management
Resuscitation: as per WMS 2014 guidelines, Initiate resuscitation in victims of lightning strike immediately if the scene otherwise is deemed safe. Recognize that these victims do not carry residual electrical charge. Use the basic and advanced life support algorithms, including trauma when appropriate, as the standard of care. Follow current advanced life support guidelines for lightning victims requiring resuscitation.
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Triage and evacuation
Specific circumstances
Pregnant patients: as per WMS 2014 guidelines, Evacuate pregnant patients > 20 weeks of gestation struck by lightning to a hospital for lightning-associated injury screening and fetal monitoring. Do not obtain fetal monitoring for pregnancies < 20 weeks of gestation as they are not considered viable.
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Preventative measures
Thunderstorm safety: as per WMS 2014 guidelines, Advise waiting a minimum of 30 minutes after hearing the last thunderclap before resuming outdoor activity to allow for the trailing edge of the thunderstorm to move the estimated 16 km (10 miles) needed to establish an appropriate buffer zone.
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