The government has ordered 1,000 emergency respirators developed by two Norwegian companies, Laerdal Medical and Servi, and the Norwegian Defense Research Institute (FFI).
“This is very good news. We know that Norway can reach a peak in the number of sick patients with covid-19 over the next few months. These emergency respirators make the health service better able to handle such a peak,” said Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H).
Idea from oil foundations
The idea for the emergency respirator came from Eivind Gransæther, an engineer and entrepreneur in the oil and gas industry in Stavanger. On March 12, he contacted FFI.
According to Solberg, the ventilator will be made in Kristiansand and production can start as early as mid-April.
“This shows what we can achieve in this country when it really matters. Here, different domains have come together and used their expertise in new ways. We welcome all initiatives and creative suggestions that can ensure effective treatment for everyone,” she added.
International contribution
“We must have two thoughts in mind at the same time. We must both do what we can to fight the virus and at the same time work to increase the capacity of the health service if many become ill at the same time, ” said Solberg.
The government guarantees funding for the project and has ordered 1,000 emergency respirators.
“Norway will probably not need all of these themselves,“ said the Prime Minister who also believes that Norway can contribute internationally.
Delivered by June 1
Tore Lærdal of Laerdal Medical stated that the respirators will be delivered by June 1. He demonstrated via video link from Stavanger how it works.
“Here it is made as simple as possible,” he explains.
According to Lærdal, it should be possible for the emergency respirator to be collected quickly, and that it should also be used by others other than those who usually work in the intensive care units. It should also be possible to train groups of personnel to assist in the treatment of patients.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
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