Lightning strike

A lightning strike is a type of electrical injury of a short duration, when a current above 80 mA already causes a permanent cardiac arrest. In addition to current magnitude, voltage and duration, the consequences of a lightning strike also depend on the resistance and direction of the current. The consequences of a direct lightning strike are often fatal (30 – 40%), when the patient dies for cardiac arrest due to malignant arrhythmia and respiratory arrest due to weakening of the respiratory center. Most often a person is hit indirectly, through the ground or objects. However, we must not forget about secondary organ damage either.