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Semi-automated ventilation bag valve mask developed

Annual Report 2020
03.03.2021

Prototype of the TaBea semi-automated ventilation bag valve mask

Within the scope of a project involving several divisions of PTB, a semi-automated bag valve mask (TaBea – short for German Teilautomatisierter Beatmungsbeutel) was developed under the auspices of Division 5 as an auxiliary ventilation device for disaster management. This development was initially prompted by the emergency situation at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The healthcare systems of some countries were unable to cope with the situation; specifically, it was not possible to meet the rapidly increasing need for medical protective gear and ventilation equipment.

Against this background, PTB launched this project, which involved several of its divisions. The aim was to develop as simple and robust a ventilation device as possible at short notice. This device was based on a standard bag valve mask, as such devices can be produced regionally in large numbers even if supply chains are restricted. PTB’s Scientific Instrumentation Department was able to produce the first functional prototype within a short time. In the following weeks, this prototype was then enhanced by taking external feedback and contributions into account. Support came from numerous departments of PTB and from PTB’s in-house fire brigade as well as from Malteser Hilfsdienst, a German non-governmental relief organization. Several physicians advised the project team, including an emergency medical physician with experience in hospital settings and within the scope of several international disaster relief operations (Doctors Without Borders).