MERCEDES F1 team will start delivering breathing devices to the NHS this week.
It is part of Formula 1’s Project Pitlane scheme to help fight coronavirus and will go ahead after patient trials across London.
The design for the device is to be made freely availableCredit: PA:Press Association
The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices, which help coronavirus patients with lung infections to breathe more easily, were developed by engineers at the Mercedes team, University College London (UCL) and clinicians at UCL Hospital.
In response to a UK government order of 10,000, the Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains technology centre in Brixworth is now building up to 1,000 devices per day.
Andy Cowell, Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, said: “Since the project was announced, we have received an incredible number of enquiries about the CPAP device from around the world.
“Making the design and manufacturing specifications available on an ‘open source’ basis will allow companies around the world to produce these devices at speed and at scale to support the global response to Covid-19.”
Currently 40 machines, which would normally produce F1 pistons and turbochargers, are being used for production of the CPAP devices.
CPAP devices are in short supply in hospitals, so engineers have come up with a version that can be mass produced quickly.
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And the F1 team have made the design of their breathing device freely available.
UCLH critical care consultant Professor Mervyn Singer added: “This week we have seen the UCL-Ventura help dozens of patients with Covid-19 breathe more easily.
“These devices can help to save lives by ensuring that ventilators, a precious resource, are used only for the most severely ill.
“We and others are finding that a significant proportion of patients treated with CPAP can avoid mechanical ventilation.”
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
