Due to the growing cases of coronavirus, Fitbit has come up with a new design for a ventilator. The product was released on Wednesday and the company described it as “easy to use and low cost”. The ventilator helps the paramedics in monitoring the patients with the help of various sensors and allows the pressure and volume of oxygen delivery to be controlled. It also features a clear window so that healthcare workers can see the automated resuscitator bag being pumped. 


Source: Fitbit

Even though these are not as efficient as conventional ventilators, Fitbit Flow can act as a temporary solution due to the increasing demand for medical equipment. These ventilators can provide support to the patients until other ventilators are unavailable.
 

“We know from some conversations that physicians are already trying to work out the ethics in deciding who gets the ventilator and who doesn’t, due to shortage of supply,” said Dr. Tony Faranesh, a Fitbit research scientist who helped develop the ventilator. “The goal here is to support life in the event that one’s not available until one might become available.”

The FDA has approved the ventilators and soon, they will be present in local hospitals.

Source: Fitbit

“COVID-19 has challenged all of us to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity, and use everything at our disposal to more rapidly develop products that support patients and the healthcare systems caring for them,” said Fitbit CEO James Park.

“We saw an opportunity to rally our expertise in advanced sensor development, manufacturing, and our global supply chain to address the critical and ongoing need for emergency ventilators and help make a difference in the fight against this global virus.”