A 25 year-old male who had suffered an estimated 30% burns was brought to the emergency room.

The time interval between his rescue from a rural house fire and his arrival at the hospital was about 6 hr.

Immediate admission to surgery was clearly indicated, since his circulatory instability was evident.

Rapid induction of anesthesia was essential. Etomidate (Amidate), 0.3 mg/kg, was required.
 

Case author: Hugh S. Mathewson, M.D., Professor Emeritus, School of Allied Health, Department of Nurse Anesthesia, University of Kansas Medical Center
case editor: Michael Gordon, Ph.D.