The physical effects of lightning injury

Several thousand lightning-related injuries occur each year in the United States resulting in nearly 600 deaths. Most incidents involve individual victims; group lightning strikes are rare. Ten soldiers were simultaneously injured in a group lightning strike while on training maneuvers at Fort Benning. Georgia. No deaths or loss of consciousness occurred, although two of the soldiers had amnesia for the event. All of the soldiers were hospitalized and observed for potential lightning-related complications. Ninety percent of the soldiers had first-degree skin burns, and all had focal muscular tenderness. Seventy percent had transient ST segment elevation that resolved. Fifty percent developed creatinine kinase (muscular component) elevation, but none developed myoglobinuria or acute renal failure. No patient had creatinine kinase (myocardial component) elevation. Transient hypertension and tinnitus were noted in 40% and 20%, respectively. No compartment syndromes or ocular manifestations developed. All 10 soldiers recovered uneventfully and returned to full active duty.