With the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the globe especially in the US and Europe, health systems are exceedingly strained. Many countries are experiencing shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE) and vital medical equipment such as ventilators. Dyson, the UK company best known for their stylish, high-tech vacuums, hair dryers, and air purifiers, has answered the call to arms and has developed a ventilator in collaboration with The Technology Partnership (TTP). Dubbed “The CoVent”, the bed-mounted, portable ventilator can run from battery power in field-hospital conditions, reports Fast Company.
Founder James Dyson, in an internal email to the company, said that after receiving a call from UK prime minister Boris Johnson ten days ago, he was refocusing resources at Dyson to build The CoVent with TTP.
“A ventilator supports a patient who is no longer able to maintain their own airways, but sadly there is currently a significant shortage, both in the U.K. and other countries around the world,” he said.
He explained that the new device can be manufactured quickly, efficiently, and at volume.
At the heart of The CoVent is the famous Dyson digital motor, optimised for a high level of intrinsic safety and to achieve a high quality air supply.
Working under a grant from the UK government, Dyson has agreed to produce 10,000 ventilators for the country. On top of that, another 5,000 ventilators will be produced for donation. One thousand of those will be for local use while the remaining 4,000 will go to other countries.
Ventilators are a regulated product and as such, Dyson and TTP will be working closely with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the UK National Health Services to ensure the product and manufacturing process are approved. The device must receive approval before production can begin.
UK prime minister Boris Johnson revealed on Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating.
