Case Report: Burns Through Metal - Unique Pattern Of First Lightning Strike Injury In Israeli Army

This case report presents a 19-year-old Israeli soldier who sustained injury as a result of a lightning strike during an outdoor military activity. The patient was found in a state of altered consciousness and respiratory distress. He suffered multiple second-degree burns to the neck, chest and abdomen area, corresponding to the locations of his metal identification tag, rifle and belt buckle. Lightning transmission through these metal objects caused considerable thermal burns at contact sites. The patient was treated conservatively until wound healing and stabilization of respiratory function. This is the first reported case of military personnel injured by lightning strike in Israel. Although rare in the Mediterranean region, safety guidelines and regulations should be implemented to avoid the associated serious and permanent injuries that may be caused by lightning strikes.