Engineers like to be involved. Even when up to our collective clavicles in code, we’re most comfortable when we can provide input on a project through all stages: from the initial concept; through the design and development stage; on to the testing of prototypes; and finally following the project right up to final manufacturing. These attributes mean engineers are well-suited to act with speed and create the critical equipment that hospitals need to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the rise of COVID-19 cases throughout the United States, one of the biggest concerns is the shortage of ventilators for patients. The mechanical ventilators used in critical-care settings are complex, microprocessor‐driven devices designed to support a wide range of medical conditions. And they’re costly, so large‐scale stockpiling of such devices has proven to be financially impractical.