A teacher has transformed scuba diving masks into ventilators to help save the lives of Covid-19 patients in Greater Manchester.
Chris Hillidge, from Leigh, runs a workshop named Fablab attached to Beamont Collegiate Academy in Warrington containing 3D printers.
Using a design developed by engineers in Italy, Chris converted a scuba diving mask into a C-PAP mask, which can be used for oxygen therapy.
The Fablab team discussed their design with medical experts in Greater Manchester before they were taken to hospitals to check air flow levels.
Chris and his team have now made more oxygen therapy masks. They have distributed to NHS trusts across the region.
He said medics have told him they are saving lives.
It is understood they have been used successfully on coronavirus patients being treated at the intensive care unit at Royal Bolton Hospital.
The masks can be used to help provide oxygen to patients. Ventilators are in short supply.
There are now plans to step up production of the masks so they can be distributed across the UK.
Chris, director of the STEM at Challenge Academy, said: "We have previously made prototypes for medical devices.
"We had seen what had happened abroad. We thought we would have a go at making one. It was very straightforward.
"I put it on social media. I took one to a doctor to test the air flow levels.
"I brought him some more. He told me he has used them.
"It has stopped people progressing to the point of needing ventilators.
"They have been distributed throughout the North West."
He added: "It is not a certified medical equipment. However, they made the clinical decision to use them to save lives.
"We are working with expert engineers to make them.
"Yesterday government procurement asked if we could scale up the release so they can be sent across the country.
"The consultant likened it to Dunkirk - nobody is going to complain if the fisherman's boats didn't comply with standards."
Isinnova, the business in Italy who created the original design, joined forced with sports chain Decathlon who provided their "Easybreath" snorkeling masks to transform into ventillators.
They have patented the ‘Charlotte Valve’ and said it will remain “free to use” so that all hospitals around the world could use it “if necessary”.
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust have been contacted for comment.
To make a donation to help Fablab continue to mask the masks visit gofundme.com.
