Mercedes team worked with academics at the University College London to produce the first ‘continuous positive airway pressure’ (CPAP) device. This device is going to bridge the gap between an oxygen mask and the need for full ventilation.
This innovative device was designed and built in less than a week. It has been delivered to London hospitals for clinical trials. It will help in keeping Covid-19 patients out of intensive care.
Prof Mervyn Singer, a UCLH critical care consultant, said, “These devices will help to save lives by ensuring that ventilators, a limited resource, are used only for the most severely ill,”
“While they will be tested at UCLH first, we hope they will make a real difference to hospitals across the UK by reducing demand on intensive care staff and beds, as well as helping patients recover without the need for more invasive ventilation.”
Once the trials are approved, up to 1,000 of the CPAP machines can be produced per day by Mercedes-AMG-HPP.
However, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has already given its approval for their use. This technique has been extensively used in Italy, to deliver oxygen to lungs of coronavirus patients during the pandemic.
Dick Elsy, chief executive of High Value Manufacturing Catapult, said, “This consortium brings together some of the most innovative companies in the world.
“They are working together with incredible determination and energy to scale up production of much-needed ventilators and combat a virus that is affecting people in many countries.”
