A method and apparatus is provided for automatic emergency airway detection. The apparatus includes a frame with a carriage guide configured to be secured around a neck of a subject. A carriage including a sensor is configured to move along the carriage guide. The sensor is configured to measure a value of a parameter indicating a topography of the neck of the subject. A processor includes a memory with instructions to receive first data from the sensor of the value of the parameter as the carriage is moved along the carriage guide and to determine, with the first data, second data indicating a position along the carriage guide corresponding to the cricothyroid region of the neck. The processor subsequently transmits a first signal indicating the second data. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.