April 13, 2020 |
Researchers at the University of Illinois, including tech-based companies like TekMill and Carle, one of Stratum’s Shareholders, have developed a new prototype, called the Illinois RapidVent emergency ventilator in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A nationwide shortage of commercial ventilators sparked inspiration for this project, which was reportedly developed in less than a week.
Chief Medical Officer at Carle, Dr. Charles Dennis, spoke to the cost-effectiveness of the device, as each unit is expected to cost as low as $100. With the suspected surge of COVID-19 pattens in the region in the near future, this device can act as an inexpensive game-changer in triage and during the transportation of patients.
We are very proud of how members of our local community here in Champaign had the capability to come together so quickly to find a solution for this problem. In addition, researchers behind the project are offering the schematic to others royalty-free, meaning they are not looking to directly profit from their achievements during this time of crisis. This generosity highlights their commitment to banding together during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to work towards a better, healthier world.
For more information, please visit these articles below:
University of Illinois Research Park Press Release: https://researchpark.illinois.edu/article/12844-2/
News-Gazette Article: https://www.news-gazette.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-response-ui-carle-team-creates-prototype-emergency-ventilator/article_a8e9acb7-0130-5d92-a98b-c5c110207c70.html
Chicago Sun Times Article: https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/3/31/21201997/university-illinois-grainger-college-ventilator-coronavirus-covid-19-rashid-bashir-carle-health
Carle Press Release: https://carle.org/newsroom/staying-healthy/2020/03/carle-uofi-develop-emergency-ventilator-prototype