The problems posed by COVID-19 are varied, but information shows that the main issues are an urgent need for equipment, materials and support in treating this disease. 

During this time, the availability of respiratory support, ventilators, PPE and other technologies are required. Healthcare systems may be overwhelmed by these requirements, thus leading to shortages. This could be a significant issue in developing regions with less robust healthcare systems. 

We hope that our solutions will never be required and never be used in practice, however, if they are needed, we would like to have a range of prototyped, tested and medically validated solutions ready for emergency use globally. This group was established to utilize the public hive mind and the creativity of our volunteers to build an truely Open Source response to real-world emergency situations. 

This project is truly Open-source in nature, with solutions developed for use worldwide and open from contributions from others.

• Open source in nature so iterative and open for community involvement
• Development of a Field Emergency Ventilator (FEV) to support medical practitioners
• Development of other Frontline care requirements such as PPE, Applications and other medical tools.
• Safety is paramount. These concepts are designed to reduce harm and risk of death. No potentially unsafe devices will be shared. Medical validation is a priority.
• Supplies and materials will be locally sourced where available
• The design(s) will be validated; validation will be documented and transparency will be made available to local health service.
• Dissemination via Internet (www.TeamOSV.com) and GitLab.

Operational Assumptions

• Regulatory bodies may waive clearance or reduce regulatory barriers for emergency interventions.
• Traditional certified medical components and supplies used in ventilators will be in short supply.
• Logistics will be impaired/disrupted. Non-medical supplies, manufacturing systems and components will be readily available globally.

The content of Open Source Ventilator's website is for information only, not advice or guarantee of outcome. The designs may not be suitable for all applications and must be used under medical advice & guidance in all cases.