Learning objectives
- State indication
- Name physiology risk
- Confirm allergies/contraindications
- Verbalize medication plan
- Define Plan A/B/C
- Define post-intubation care
Step 2
Timeout
Convert implicit assumptions into a shared, spoken airway plan.
Say aloud
This is an airway for __. Main risk is __. Induction agent is __ and goes before paralytic __. If BP falls, pressor/resuscitation plan is __. Plan A is __. If we fail, we oxygenate and change __. Plan C is __. Analgesia/sedation after the tube are ready.
Critical actions
Teaching pearl
The timeout should be short enough to actually happen and explicit enough that the team knows when to pivot.
Common pitfalls
- Calling “Plan B” without specifying what changes
- No post-intubation sedation ordered before paralysis
- Paralytic pushed before the induction agent is announced/given
- No explicit pressor/resuscitation plan if BP falls
- Shock/acidosis/RV risk not discussed
- No named CICO trigger
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