The lightning injury

Variability of effect is perhaps the most important characteristic of lightning. The institution of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the prevention of anoxic death is without question effective, and all attempts should be made to resuscitate clinically dead patients. Conservative management and close observation for early cardiac and neurologic symptoms should be maintained and, because there may be a 74% incidence of long-term sequelae in survivors of lightning injuries, close followup long after discharge as well as early rehabilitative efforts should be included in the planning of patient care.