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Lightning strike cardiac arrest — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateEnvironmental emergenciesLightning strike cardiac arrestABEM Board

A 35-year-old man arrives as ESI 2 after being pulled from a river after a lightning strike. He is apneic and pulseless; two other victims are awake with burns. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Begin resuscitation of the pulseless apneic patient first

Lightning incidents use reverse triage: patients in cardiopulmonary arrest may have good outcomes with immediate ventilation and CPR.

Reference: Wilderness Medical Society lightning injury guidance