A Shocking Airway: Airway Management and Anesthetic Considerations in a High-Voltage Electrical Injury

Authors

Spencer Kitchen, Corewell Health East Resident
Jose R. Navas Blanco, Corewell Health East

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-11-2025

Abstract

A 65-year-old male electrician presented after being electrocuted while working on a 480V transformer without personal protective equipment. He had bilateral entry wounds of his hands and exit wounds of his neck, cheek, jaw, and lips. Physical examination revealed charring, blistering, and desquamation of these areas. He was intubated and sedated for airway protection and pain control. GlideScope examination revealed oropharyngeal and laryngeal charring. This case highlights the importance of securing an airway in electrical injuries, as airway injuries may not be apparent. Careful paralytic selection is crucial, as rhabdomyolysis and electrolyte abnormalities are often present in electrical injuries.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting, October 10-14, 2025, San Antonio, TX

Recommended Citation

Kitchen S, Navas Blanco JR. A shocking airway: airway management and anesthetic considerations in a high-voltage electrical injury. Presented at: American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting; 2025 Oct 11; San Antonio, TX. Available from:https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21028/presentation/9749