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Checklist teaching phase Step 2

Timeout

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

Airway Checklist: This static page supports simulation, prebriefing, and source review. It does not save encounter state, analyze a patient, or generate a clinical directive.

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 pearls

  • 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.
  • 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 __.

Common pitfalls for discussion

  • Calling for silence but continuing parallel conversation
  • Naming Plan B without saying what actually changes
  • No explicit backup or surgical-airway trigger
  • Code status or relevant treatment limits not clarified when time and context allow
  • Medication sequence not announced
  • No hemodynamic backup plan for a shock-risk patient
About this resource
Created by: Kyle Brown MD; Andrew Pirotte, MD; Reba Hodge, MD; Amanda Vanderwerf, PharmD, BCEMP; Morgan Kimball, PharmD, BCEMP; Joshua Mohess Clinical review: EM faculty Reviewed: local ED, ICU, EMS, anesthesia, pharmacy, and pediatric protocol review recommended before bedside teaching rollout. Last reviewed: 2026-07-23 Next scheduled review: 2027-01-23 Designed for: EM residents, emergency physicians, EMS clinicians, airway educators, and simulation faculty Important: Educational resource and clinical-reference guide only; not a bedside order set or substitute for local protocol, medical direction, or clinical judgment. Website contact: kybrown@kumc.edu