COVID Chronicle

Across the nation there was concern there could be a shortage of ventilators. Innovators were testing methods that would allow a single ventilator to be shared between multiple patients in extreme emergencies. The Jackson Laboratory came up with a ventilator manifold that would allow five patients to be (theoretically) connected to one machine. We tested several versions with different vendors and worked closely with University of Maine’s Advanced Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering departments, and Bowdoin College. We also consulted with Duke University, University of Massachusetts, and Nebraska Health. Thankfully, we never progressed to the stage of needing to utilize any of the prototypes that were being developed. Overall, community support during this global pandemic has been unprecedented.

Clinical masks come in one size. They don’t fit everyone the same and over the course of a long shift they can become uncomfortable and cause chafing. In April, 25-year-old Dennis Allen of Dover-Foxcroft began making 3D printed plastic facemask holders to donate to Northern Light Mayo Hospital. At about the same time, Matt Jones was firing up his 3D printer for the same reason. 3D printers use spools of plastic string to build different items layer by layer. In this case it’s a reusable plastic band that goes at the back of the head and holds the elastic bands of a facemask away from the ears, allowing users to adjust for a better fit. Together, Dennis and Matt donated hundreds of these to Mayo and Northern Light C. A. Dean Hospital.

There have been countless handy folks who’ve sewn cloth headbands with buttons (that serve the same purpose as the plastic 3D printer version)– to keep the elastic from chafing and creating a better fitting face mask. Hundreds more people have made and donated cloth face masks. Home Depot in Bangor donated 10 carts for use as medication and supply carts to be used in the event we needed to establish off-site COVID-19 care sites. To date, those sites have not been needed.

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU’VE GOT ENOUGH NERVE. – J.K. ROWLING

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