Tracheostomy lab: practice run card

Before the attempt

• Choose an available case. For hands-on practice, obtain its setup sheet and locate the specified insert, tube and equipment.
• Check the trainer’s starting arrangement and the case’s stop, cleaning and reset instructions. Missing instructions or equipment? Use the online encounter until the lab educator resolves the setup.
• With a partner, decide who is the clinician and who is the coach. Only the coach reads the hidden cues and explanation before the attempt.

During the case

Clinician: Read or listen to the patient’s story. At the decision pause, state what you notice and your next action. For hands-on work, follow the case’s permitted actions.

Coach: Give the stated patient information and scripted cues. Watch the actions and listen to the reasoning. Save the explanation for the debrief; follow the setup sheet’s stop instructions if needed.

Working alone: Commit to your assessment and next action aloud before opening the explanation. Pause to revisit a foundation topic when needed.

After the attempt

• Describe what happened before discussing what should change. What did you notice? What guided the next action?
• Compare with the case explanation. Pick one decision or movement to repeat.
• Follow the case-specific reset and cleaning instructions. Restore the starting arrangement before another attempt or a role swap.
• Finish by stating what you changed and what still needs review. Bring that question, or demonstrate your approach, to an attending.