Wilderness and Rescue Medicine 8th Edition

1 74

Wilderness and Rescue Medicine

Chapter 22 Review: Lightning Injuries

• Lightning equalizes the difference in electrostatic charge that develops between regions of the atmo- sphere and between the atmosphere and the earth’s surface during violent weather. • The height and isolation of an object are the only two factors that predict the likelihood of being struck by lightning. • Reducing the probability of lightning injury includes moving to a lower and less isolated position or inside a metal car, building, or ship. • Fewer than 20% of lightning victims die of their injuries. Most of the current passes over the skin surface on its way to the ground. • A lightning strike can disrupt the electrochemical function of the nervous system (causing respira- tory and cardiac arrest), cause superficial burns on the skin, and can create enough explosive force to break bones and damage internal organs. • Lightning injuries require no specialized field treatment. In the field, treat what you see. • Even without obvious injury, lightning exposure can cause long-termmedical and psychiatric problems.

Because lightning can travel considerable distance, you should evacuate hazardous areas as soon as thunder is heard, or lightning is seen.