Learning objectives

• Create a brief period of silence
• Have the airway lead state Plans A, B, C, and the backup airway/surgical plan
• Confirm roles
• Confirm code status when relevant and feasible
• Confirm device, operator, positioning, and medications
• Announce induction before paralytic and state the hemodynamic rescue plan

Teaching pearl

A timeout is useful only if it changes shared understanding. The room should hear who is doing what, the relevant code-status or goals-of-care limits, which device is being used, and exactly what will happen if the first plan fails.

Common pitfalls

• Calling for silence but continuing parallel conversation
• Naming Plan B without saying what actually changes
• No explicit rescue or surgical-airway trigger
• Medication sequence not announced
• No hemodynamic rescue plan for a shock-risk patient
• Code status or relevant treatment limits not clarified when time and context allow