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Lightning strike — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardEnvironmental MedicineLightning strikeDIPIMCDipIMC

Lightning has struck an outdoor event. There are several casualties, some apparently in cardiac arrest and others who are walking wounded.

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

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Correct answer: E — Prioritise resuscitation of those in apparent cardiac arrest, reversing the usual triage order.

Lightning strike is an exception to usual mass casualty triage, because those in cardiac arrest from a lightning-induced rhythm disturbance often respond well to prompt resuscitation, so they are treated first in a reverse-triage approach. Survivors who are moving are likely to recover without immediate intervention. This reversal applies specifically to lightning and similar electrical mass-casualty events.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines (2025)