Why is "reverse triage" recommended during a lightning strike mass-casualty incident?

The recommendation for "reverse triage" during a mass-casualty incident caused by a lightning strike focuses on the likelihood of survival based on specific physiological indicators. When performing reverse triage, responders prioritize patients who are able to breathe and have a pulse because these individuals generally possess a higher probability of recovery compared to those who may present more severe injuries but are not able to maintain vital signs.

In a mass-casualty situation, resources—such as medical personnel and equipment—are often limited. Consequently, focusing on individuals who can breathe and have a pulse allows the responders to maximize the number of survivors by ensuring that limited resources are directed towards those who show signs of life and responsiveness. This approach acknowledges that timely intervention for those who are stable can yield better outcomes than expending efforts on patients with more severe, potentially non-survivable injuries.