Here's how these Pakistani youth turned 100 ventilators into 400 during coronavirus crisis

• With the help of 3D printing, they created a valve that connects to make a single-patient use ventilator into a multi-patient use splitter.

A group of young Pakistanis have stepped up to help the country combat the novel coronavirus by turning 100 ventilators into 400 with the help of 3D printing.

With the spike in coronavirus cases in Pakistan, and shortage of ventilators, the group took it upon themselves and started their study on 3D printing and how it can make life saving equipment. Within days, they created a valve that connects to make a single-patient use ventilator into a multi-patient use splitter.

One of the youth, Zarlasht Faisal shared the process they went through in making a ventilator, which can help four patients simultaneously. He said the group was brainstorming when they came across a post about how 'a genius from an ICU in another country turned one ventilator into 9'.

Another tagged tweet to NIC Lahore team; can your 3D printing teams get this done? 48 hours of brainstorming, and ideation. The idea to create a valve that connects to make 1 single patient use ventilator into a multi patient use splitter comes into fruition. Next step?

— Zarlasht Faisal (@ZarlashtFaisal) March 27, 2020

"An Alexander, an Australian steps up.... and asks; do you guys want the design files? YES goes the answer! The design files are shared, and suddenly the 3D printers are activated," Faisal tweeted.

He said the valve splitters were created overnight and they just needed a hospital to test them. After being turned away by several hospitals, the group approached Shaukat Khanum, where Dr.Faisal immediately connected them to a group of engineers.

"Modifications are suggested. The valve design is improved, and approved. Suddenly, the capacity of 1 ventilator goes from 1-4," Faisal added.

Successful tests are being carried out at Shaukat Khanum after which more and more samples are shared across the nation. Different cities are now also demanding the designs so that they too can benefit from these splitters.

Just tested the splitter valve at @SKMCH. Tests are successful now testing these for longer durations. This attachment can accommodate upto 4 people on a single ventilator. Now 16 machines can accommodate 64 patients. Thanks to @fifteenforty @fsherjan. pic.twitter.com/34jKkp3iDI

— abdullah afzal (@theabdullah007) March 23, 2020