Disclosed are devices and methods for automated emergency arterial cannulation. The device comprises a hand-held automated emergency arterial sheath placement device having a body with a handle and an actuator, and an arterial sheath placement head at the distal end of the handle body configured for placement against the patient's skin. The arterial sheath placement head includes an arterial sheath insertion device configured to advance an arterial needle, guide wire, and arterial sheath into a patient's artery upon sequential operation of the actuator. The arterial sheath placement head also includes a non-invasive artery locator configured to locate an artery into which the arterial sheath is intended to be placed. The arterial sheath placement head also preferably includes a Doppler gel and antiseptic needle, a local anesthetic needle, and a scalpel, all of which are likewise configured to advance from the upper body portion upon sequential operation of the actuator.