Tracheostomy time‐out: New safety tool in the setting of COVID‐19

Tracheostomy procedures have a high risk of aerosol generation. Airway providers have reflected on ways to mitigate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission risks when approaching a surgical airway. To standardize institutional safety measures with tracheostomy, we advocate using a dedicated tracheostomy time‐out applicable to all patients including those suspected of having COVID‐19. The aim of the tracheostomy time‐out is to reduce preventable errors that may increase the risk of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2.