Timeout

Step 2

Silence the room, state the airway plans, and confirm code status, device, operator, positioning, and medications.

This static page is designed for simulation, prebriefing, and source review. It does not save encounter state, analyze a patient, or generate a treatment directive. Verify current local protocols and the clinical context.

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 backup plan

Simulation discussion prompt

Silence. Plan A is __. Plan B is __. backup Plan C is __. The backup airway/surgical plan is __. Roles are confirmed. Code status/goals are __ when relevant and feasible. Device is __, operator is __, position is __, and medications are __. Induction goes before paralytic. If blood pressure falls, the backup plan is __.

Discussion points

Silence - airway lead states

Primary plan (A)

Backup plan (B)

Backup plan (C)

Backup airway / surgical plan

Roles confirmed

Confirm

Code Status

Device

Operator

Positioning

Medications

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 backup or surgical-airway trigger
Medication sequence not announced
No hemodynamic backup plan for a shock-risk patient
Code status or relevant treatment limits not clarified when time and context allow

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