Abstract: This invention relates to the field of tracheostomy and resides in a method of inserting a tracheostomy tube into the trachea of a patient. The method includes the steps of inserting a hollow needle into the trachea, sliding a cannula over the needle into the trachea, withdrawing the needle, threading a guide wire through the cannula and passing the wire into the trachea. The guide wire is extended in the trachea towards the lungs of the patient. The cannula is removed from the wire, leaving the wire is place, and a dilator instrument in threaded over the wire. The instrument is slid along the wire until it extends into the trachea. The instrument has jaws which may be separated once within the trachea to split the trachea, and the jaws are curved so that the jaws can extend into the trachea and extend down the trachea. Spreading the jaws splits the trachea wall through which the jaws are inserted transversely, allowing the removal of the instrument while leaving the wire in the trachea.