This archive report was first published on 24 April 2020.
On April 24, 2020, Toyota Kenya unveiled a mechanical ventilator designed to support patients with Covid-19 respiratory failure.
The 'Bridge Mechanical Ventilator' is an emergency use resuscitator system that can be easily replicated using locally sourced components.
According to Toyota Kenya Managing Director, Arvinder Reel, the company had taken up the call by President Uhuru Kenyatta to develop local solutions in the battle to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
"It is recognized that the surge in COVID-19 is requiring extraordinary measures that include the provision of mechanical ventilator support to keep pace with clinical need at our healthcare facilities," Reel said.
The bridge mechanical ventilator comprises of four parts, including a motor vehicle motor, locally fabricated sheet metal pattern, cam pattern, and motor control circuit.
Once given the necessary approvals, Toyota Kenya will be able to develop up to 20 Bridge Mechanical Ventilators per day.
The device makes use of an Ambu bag, which is essentially used for emergencies when a ventilator is not available, where a doctor or a medical practitioner squeezes the bag by hand to push air into the lungs of the patient.
