Lightning injury

Uncommon card · No. 190559

Lightning injuries occur when someone is struck by lightning. Initial symptoms may include heart asystole and respiratory arrest. While the asystole may spontaneously resolve fairly rapidly, the respiratory arrest is typically more prolonged. Other symptoms may include burns and blunt injuries. Of those who survive, about 75% have ongoing health problems as a result, such as cataracts and hearing loss. If death occurs, it is typically from either an abnormal heart rhythm or respiratory failure. Lightning injuries are divided into direct strikes, side splash, contact injury, and ground current. Ground current occurs when the lightning strikes nearby and travels to the person through the ground. Side splash makes up about a third of cases and occurs when lightning strikes nearby and jumps through the air to the person. Contact injury occurs when the person is touching the object that is hit. Direct strikes make up about 5% of injuries. The mechanism of the injuries may include electrical...

Read on Wikipedia · Image U.S. Air Force photo by Edward Aspera Jr., Public domain