Ventilators have become a huge concern, because they can literally mean life or death and we may not have enough of them.
Here's an article -- and thread -- on what it would take to get more.
1/x
huffpost.com/entry/coronavi…
Here's an article -- and thread -- on what it would take to get more.
1/x
huffpost.com/entry/coronavi…
We don't know exactly how many we have, because there's no central inventory.
We don't know how many we'll need, because that depends on how quickly the pandemic spreads.
#FlattenTheCurve is so, so important
washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/…
2/x
We don't know how many we'll need, because that depends on how quickly the pandemic spreads.
#FlattenTheCurve is so, so important
washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/…
2/x
But if we need more, can industry ramp up production quickly?
Engineers and supply chain experts say yes.
Here are the key challenges to overcome:
huffpost.com/entry/coronavi…
3/x
Engineers and supply chain experts say yes.
Here are the key challenges to overcome:
huffpost.com/entry/coronavi…
3/x
Scaling up factories...
Industry can do that, though new workers need training and new facilities need regulator ok.
Government can help, by placing orders/guaranteeing purchases and fast-tracking inspections/approvals.
4/x
Industry can do that, though new workers need training and new facilities need regulator ok.
Government can help, by placing orders/guaranteeing purchases and fast-tracking inspections/approvals.
4/x
Transportation...
Have to get the parts here, then distribute the finished goods.
Not a major worry right now, though government can coordinate and (if necessary) run its own supply lines with charter or military transport.
5/x
Have to get the parts here, then distribute the finished goods.
Not a major worry right now, though government can coordinate and (if necessary) run its own supply lines with charter or military transport.
5/x
Component parts...
This is going to be the limiting factor, the experts said. Very specific parts, many come from overseas.
"You can’t just pick up different screws at Home Depot and call it good.”
6/x
This is going to be the limiting factor, the experts said. Very specific parts, many come from overseas.
"You can’t just pick up different screws at Home Depot and call it good.”
6/x
People to operate the machines...
This isn't a manufacturing problem. It's for the hospitals, which will likely face staff shortages.
Creative solutions include retired respiratory therapists, anesthesia docs/nurses who won't be doing elective surgeries, etc.
7/x
This isn't a manufacturing problem. It's for the hospitals, which will likely face staff shortages.
Creative solutions include retired respiratory therapists, anesthesia docs/nurses who won't be doing elective surgeries, etc.
7/x
One executive pointed out that ventilator manufacturers have a bunch of workers who either train people how to use the machines or repair them.
Some are respiratory therapists with clinical experience. Could offer them temporary front-line jobs.
8/x
Some are respiratory therapists with clinical experience. Could offer them temporary front-line jobs.
8/x
Creativity may be the key, if surge really overwhelms supply.
Modifying machines to serve more than one patient, coming up with low-tech alternatives, 3D printing, etc.
None of these are ideal. But makeshift answers may be necessary.
9/x
Modifying machines to serve more than one patient, coming up with low-tech alternatives, 3D printing, etc.
None of these are ideal. But makeshift answers may be necessary.
9/x
Bottom line:
1. We can ramp up production, subject to some limits.
3. The federal government can (a) buy or guarantee purchases (b) fast-track inspections (c) coordinate/run transport.
I don't know whether administration is taking these steps yet.
10/x
1. We can ramp up production, subject to some limits.
3. The federal government can (a) buy or guarantee purchases (b) fast-track inspections (c) coordinate/run transport.
I don't know whether administration is taking these steps yet.
10/x
