Out of the Blue: Managing Lightning Emergencies

Lightning strikes are sudden, unpredictable, and potentially devastating. This session equips providers with the knowledge and confidence to manage lightning-related injuries across diverse environments — from mountain ridges and open fields to urban neighborhoods, athletic events, disaster zones, and even the frontline of fire and rescue operations. Participants will learn how to recognize unique injury patterns, prioritize scene safety under continuing storm hazards, and treat life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and neurologic deficits. Through case-based examples and evidence-based strategies, this session highlights practical interventions that improve survival when a bolt out of the blue turns a routine call into a high-stakes emergency.

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