A tracheostomy dilator is curved along its length having a tapering patient endregion (5) at one end and an oppositely curved handle region (7) at its oppositeend. A passage (10) extends rearwardly along the dilator from its patient end(4) and opens on a side of the dilator at an opening (12) in the handle region (7).The passage (10) is blocked rearwardly of the opening (12) by an insert (2) witha forward ramp surface (23), which directs a guidewire (30). In use, one end ofthe guidewire (30) projects from the patient end (4) of the dilator and its oppositeend extends along the outside of the handle region (7).
