Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing emergency cricothyrotomy on a patient. The apparatus includes a pair of handles with an arcuate tip connected to the distal end of each handle with both sets of handles/tips attached together by a detachable pivot mechanism. The handles are angled away opposite in direction to the arcuate tips. The arcuate tips can grip a surgical scalpel which has at least one hub protruding from the side of the scalpel thereby limiting the incision depth to which the scalpel can cut. The arcuate tips are held apart by a spring mechanism but can be locked together. When used during a cricothyrotomy procedure, the apparatus engages a scalpel which is conjunctively used to make an incision into the patient's the skin and cricothyroid membrane. Once entry into the patient's airway is accomplished, the scalpel is removed. The arcuate tips are rotated and spread apart, thus allowing a tracheal tube to be inserted into the airway between the arcuate tips.