A device for providing an auxiliary aft passage to a trachea comprises a cannula member, a trocar member and a cap member. The cannula member has longitudinal walls defining a channel, proximal and distal openings at opposed ends of the channel, and a side opening near a distal end of the longitudinal walls. The trocar member includes a proximal flanged end and an elongated member extending from the flanged end, the elongated member being insertable within the channel and having a pointed end projecting through the distal opening when the elongated member is inserted in the channel. The cap member has an inner cavity and is adapted to sealingly engage the cannula member, when the device is not in use, such that the longitudinal walls of the cannula member are contained within the inner cavity and the sharp tip of the trocar member is protectively housed within the cap member.
