Step 2

Timeout

Convert implicit assumptions into a shared, spoken airway plan.

Critical actions

Indication Physiology risk Allergies Induction/paralytic doses Plan A/B/C What changes after failed attempt CICO trigger Post-intubation sedation ready

Pearls

The timeout should be short enough to actually happen and explicit enough that the team knows when to pivot.
Say aloud: This is an airway for __. Main risk is __. Plan A is __. If we fail, we oxygenate and change __. Plan C is __. Sedation and analgesia after the tube are ready.

Pitfalls

Calling “Plan B” without specifying what changes
No post-intubation sedation ordered before paralysis
Shock/acidosis/RV risk not discussed
No named CICO trigger