Citation

Hinkelbein J, Spelten O, Wetsch WA. Unfallchirurg 2013; 116(1): 74-79.

Vernacular Title

Blitzschlag und Blitzunfalle in der praklinischen Notfallmedizin : Relevanz,

Affiliation

Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Köln (AöR), Kerpener Straße 62, 50937, Köln, Deutschland, jochen.hinkelbein@uk-koeln.de.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00113-011-2084-9

PMID

21909737

Abstract

Up to 32.2% of patients in a burn center suffer from electrical injuries. Of these patients, 2-4% present with lightning injuries. In Germany, approximately 50 people per year are injured by a lightning strike and 3-7 fatally. Typically, people involved in outdoor activities are endangered and affected. A lightning strike usually produces significantly higher energy doses as compared to those in common electrical injuries. Therefore, injury patterns vary significantly. Especially in high voltage injuries and lightning injuries, internal injuries are of special importance. Mortality ranges between 10 and 30% after a lightning strike. Emergency medical treatment is similar to common electrical injuries. Patients with lightning injuries should be transported to a regional or supraregional trauma center. In 15% of all cases multiple people may be injured. Therefore, it is of outstanding importance to create emergency plans and evacuation plans in good time for mass gatherings endangered by possible lightning.

Language: de