Lightning injuries. A unique treatment challenge.
Care of victims of lightning injury is a unique challenge rarely encountered in most clinical practices. Victims may present without signs or symptoms or, conversely, may present in cardiac arrest. Many have chronic, debilitating sequelae. Physicians caring for these patients either in the field or in the emergency department should be prepared to institute aggressive management techniques. An understanding of lightning physics and injury patterns prevents costly and inappropriate diagnostic tests and treatment.
Ghezzi
K T
KT
Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037.
D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006801:Humans; D015168:Lightning Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*