Lightning strike triage — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: A — Priority 1

Priority 1 is the best answer because lightning strike arrest can be reversible and apnoeic pulseless casualties should receive immediate resuscitation. Priority 3 is less appropriate because Priority 3 is for delayed treatment with stable basic physiology; Dead is less appropriate because dead category requires absence of signs of life after simple checks. Expectant and Priority 2 are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; MIMMS Major Incident Medical Management and Support; Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines