A device and method for performing a cricothyrotomy and/or a tracheotomy has an outer cannula. An inner cutting cannula is positioned within the outer cannula. An actuator is coupled to a proximate end of the inner cutting cannula. The actuator keeps the inner cutting cannula in a retracted position within the outer cannula when the actuator is not activated and an extended position where a distal end of the inner cutting cannula extends out of the outer cannula with a force for the distal end of the inner cutting cannula to penetrate one of a cricothyroid membrane or tracheal wall when the actuator is activated.
