i agree - beyond the scope of a boy scout who can't even carry a fixed-blade knife.

just for clarification, i don't carry a crico kit. but i do carry a sharp, pointy knife, as well as a #11 scalpel, and an empty bic pen barrel. and i wouldn't hesitate to use them on me, you or anyone who needs them. never done one, never seen one done, have read about them, seen illustrations, know the anatomy and physiology, and wouldn't hesitate to give it a try in the most dire circumstances.