Abstract: A cricothyrotomy forceps for inserting an endotracheal tube through an incision in the crico-thyroid membrane particularly designed for use by a paramedic in the field and having a pair of coupling plates extending perpendicular to the jaws of the forceps on only to one side of the plane defined by the handles and having a wound introduction margin designed to facilitate the entry of an endotracheal tube through the incision into the trachea. The forceps may be packaged in a kit with a tube of a length designed for a cricothyrotomy.