Dyson has received an order from the British government to design and manufacture 10,000 artificial respirators to support the National Health Service’s efforts to treat patients with coronavirus, the cause of COVID-19, which has already affected more than 500,000 people around the world.
Artificial respirators (or ventilators) are absolutely essential to fight the coronavirus pandemic, which can cause serious respiratory problems by attacking the bronchi and lungs. Several multinationals have decided to back up the medical profession from around the world and are embarking on the production of respirators, when this is not their field.
James Dyson, science writer, inventor, industrial designer and founder of Dyson, confirmed the order on Wednesday. ” An artificial respirator takes care of a patient who is no longer able to breathe naturally, and unfortunately there is currently a significant shortage, both in the United Kingdom as well as in other countries of the world Says Dyson.
Dyson said the company had designed and manufactured a brand new artificial respirator, called ” CoVent “, Since the company received a call (10 days ago) from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. ” This new device can be manufactured quickly, efficiently and in large numbers Added Dyson, saying the device was designed to “meet the specific needs” of patients severely affected by SARS-CoV-2.
Called CoVent, the portable device developed by Dyson can be mounted on the patient’s bed if necessary. Credit: Dyson
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The new Dyson artificial respirator, in addition to being safe, efficient and effective in storing oxygen, should also be easy to transport and use and also be independent of a fixed air supply. A spokesperson for the company, which is best known for its vacuum cleaners and hand dryers, said the devices would be ready for the start of April.
Dyson also stipulated that it would offer 5,000 of its respirators internationally. ” The main challenge was how to design and deliver a new sophisticated medical product, in large quantities and in an extremely short time. The race is now on to put it into production “, he added.
A global shortage of medical equipment…
Healthcare workers in many parts of the world are struggling to have enough essential equipment, such as masks, gloves and respirators, to cope with the influx of highly contagious patients.
On the same topic : An open letter published by nurses from Wuhan has been mysteriously withdrawn. They asked for international aid
A second British company, Gtech, is also working on the production of artificial respirators and has submitted two examples to the government for evaluation. This company specializes in cordless vacuum cleaners and garden power tools.
Alok Sharma, the British Minister for Commerce, said on Friday that respirators made by Dyson and other suppliers will have to meet current regulatory requirements before they can be used by the National Health Service. ” The British government wants to see the prototypes before moving on to large-scale production. The main thing is to make sure that all the devices that come up meet the requirements and are safe Added Sharma.
In the United States, Ford has announced that it is working with 3M and GE Healthcare to produce medical equipment, including respirators and protective equipment. GM and You’re here also committed to manufacturing breathing assistance devices.
Source: BBC
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