Local fabricators develop aerosol boxes to help medical frontliners
The bayanihan spirit is definitely upon us!
From washable face masks to fabricated PPEs, Filipinos are crafting ways in being resourceful to help frontliners in battling the spread of the coronavirus.
One of which is acrylic fabricator Jao Achie who developed a device or tool to help minimize the exposure to droplets or aerosols while intubating COVID-19 patients.
In a post that's going viral online, Jao shared that he was moved by a post made by Dr. Neyziel De Guzman Mardo, a doctor in Rizal Medical Center, who was looking for someone who could fabricate the said device to help frontliners like her.
The device, aptly called “Aerosol Box,” can help anesthesiologists and other physicians while intubating patients and can help confine the spread of the virus.
He wrote, “I'm in the acrylic fabrication industry and I can't help na wala akong gagawin para makatulong. This would be a big help for them --- our frontliners.
“I commented on her post, contacted her directly and told her that we could make it as long as there are enough materials and we could fabricate it for free. Since ang mga supplier ng acrylics are closed, minessage ko sila kahit sarado and if pwede maka-order --- that's it.”
Fortunately for him, there was one supplier who heeded his call that eventually turned into a chain reaction of pledges and requests from people to help.
Hours passed and a prototype was made and tested in Makati Medical Center and St. Luke's for final modifications that resulted in its final prototype.
Jao is currently asking for additional monetary donations and pledges to help fund his little project and help hospitals acquire the device.
“Sikapin po namin makabuo ng 20 to 50 boxes per day dahil sa limited lang po ang manpower.
“Sa kapwa namin fabricator, kayang-kaya niyo po gumawa nito and materials lang naman ang need para sa nearby hospitals malapit sa inyo. Magtulungan po tayong lahat.”
As of writing, Jao's post has already received more than 19K shares and 31K likes on Facebook.
Similarly, other fabricators from different parts of the Philippines have also shared their more cost-efficient design using 3mm acrylic sheets.
Based on Iloilo, CTR Graphics and Signs Inc. have already fabricated 23 out of the 40 targeted Aerosol Boxes using their modified design that features a shoulder provision and adjusted holes per side.
Here's a simulation video on how the device can help while intubating patients.