Emergency manuals are context-relevant sets of cognitive aids, such as crisis checklists, in this case for perioperative or procedural contexts. The framework for this RC is Why, When, and How emergency manuals can help clinical teams to deliver best practices to patients during critical events. Rationale for why to implement and use emergency manuals will be presented, drawing from high stakes industries and human factors, as well as simulation-based healthcare studies. Vital elements for effective implementation and use will be presented. Potential challenges and pitfalls will be explored, and facilitators of successful implementation and use will be described.