Abstract: An apparatus to manually open and close a shutter-like device for tracheostomy patients to facilitate breathing comprises a shutter box positionable over a tracheostomy opening in the neck of a patient. The shutter box has slits on the exterior face and an aperture on the interior face and a control device with a closure surface pivotable between an open position to allow passage of air through the aperture and openings and a closed position over the aperture to preclude the flow of air therethrough. Motion imparting mechanisms include a pivot pin extending through the box and control device to allow the pivoting thereof and a securement pin on the side of the pivot pin remote from the closure surface to effect the rotational movement thereof.