Bahrain International Circuit engineers design ventilator breathing aid

TDT | Manama

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has designed breathing apparatus for non-intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients in need of respiratory assistance. This is in support of national efforts spearheaded by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The devices, suitable for patients who require ventilation support but are not in a critical condition, were designed and built from scratch by BIC engineers in cooperation with the Respiratory Therapy Department, Medical Equipment Department and Intensive Care doctors at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC).

BIC has designed two different machines, both of which meet the criteria set out by SMC. The first machine was created by design team lead and BIC mechanical engineer Kamel Al Taan, while the other was made by a team led by Tareq Al Tajer.

The breathing aids have been tested at SMC in conjunction with the BIC team led by BIC Chief Operating Officer Fayez Ramzy Fayez, with the endorsement of BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa. Following these extensive tests, the machines have been approved for use by Bahrain’s Ministry of Health.

The devices were designed in just under two weeks thanks to the dedication and ingenuity of BIC’s engineers, and work is underway to develop the first 100 machines which are already under production in a dedicated facility at the circuit.

BIC has also announced that it will make the blueprint designs freely available to organisations around the world seeking to find similar solutions. “At a time of global crisis, we have been seeking ways in which BIC can support the fight against COVID-19,” said Fayez.

“Our engineers have met that challenge by designing a ventilator system specifically to support those suffering from COVID-19. “As this is a global effort, we are happy to make these designs available to other organisations around the world who are seeking to find similar solutions.”