Development of a Low-Cost Alternative to AMBU Bag for Addressing Global Ventilator Shortage

Respiratory ailments like COPD and asthma strained healthcare systems globally, revealing critical shortages of ventilators as well as essential manual resuscitators, named AMBU bags, during emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Yet another significant issue is that the cost of traditional AMBU bags is beyond reach in underprivileged communities. So, the necessity for alternative solutions arose from the acute shortage of ventilators during the pandemic, exacerbating challenges for rural populations lacking immediate medical care. This study proposed a low-cost alternative prototype for AMBU bags, developed at a total cost range of 120 to 150 BDT, utilizing locally available materials to address this urgent need, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The prototype underwent rigorous tests like system parameter analysis, yielding moderate values within the recommended ranges from 1 to 42 cm H<inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</inf>O pressure that affirm its viability for emergency use. A thorough cost analysis is also presented to corroborate the affordability assertion by leveraging locally available materials, resulting in a costeffective and fully functional substitute to classic AMBU bags. However, limitations such as uncontrolled compression and expansion, and overpressure without fine-tuning capabilities, necessitate further research for advanced modifications. Nonetheless, this alternative strategy assures that critical respiratory support can be delivered during severe crises like pandemics, where traditional supply chains falter.