Lightning Injuries

This online module is designed for outdoor professionals, enthusiasts, or for anyone interested in learning more about this topic. This course is NOT eligible for CME or FAWM.

Course Description:

Although beautiful, lightning is the second leading cause of natural outdoor deaths. This natural phenomenon is unlike anything else found on the planet, causing a unique pathology and treatment in its victims. In this module, you will learn the causes of lightning, avoidance techniques of lightning strikes, and the signs, symptoms, treatment, and evacuation guidelines for lightning injuries.

Objectives: 

The purpose of this module is to help you develop a process that will allow you to overcome obstacles and provide the patient(s) with the appropriate care.

Upon completion, students should be familiar with:

• Recognize when and where lightning is more likely to strike in relation to a storm
• Describe the six mechanisms by which one may be struck by lightning
• Understand the concept of “reverse triage” in managing multiple casualties from a lightning strike
• Understand that all victims of a lightning strike should be evacuated from the wilderness as soon as possible
• Be able to list several methods that minimize the potential of being struck by lightning while in the wilderness