Lightning strike cardiac arrest — DipIMC MCQ

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HardResuscitationLightning strike cardiac arrestDipIMC

At an outdoor music event, lightning strikes a group of five people. One casualty is apnoeic and pulseless, two are walking with burns, one is confused but breathing, and one has a fractured wrist. What is the triage category?

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Correct answer: B — Priority 1 (red)

Lightning strike is an exception in which respiratory and cardiac arrest may be rapidly reversible, so the apnoeic pulseless patient receives immediate priority when resources permit. In many trauma triage systems pulseless patients may be classed dead, but lightning arrest has a better prognosis with early ventilation and defibrillation. This tests context rather than a rote triage sieve endpoint.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; Resuscitation Council UK Special circumstances 2025