A group of Richmondites are banding together to protect frontline workers in the battle against the coronavirus (COVID-19) and sending a message of support.
With hundreds of businesses emptying out amid the pandemic, one local factory has been firing up for days to churn out protective gear for frontline workers.
Although it was midnight on last Thursday, Richmondite Jin Ma and a friend were still hard at work in his factory creating face shields and “Aerosol Boxes” - a simple protective device that can shield a physician’s face from a patient’s airway, allowing doctors to move their arms freely to perform tasks during endotracheal intubation.
It’s not common practise for companies to retool their machines to produce medical supplies, however, Ma stressed that he isn’t doing this to make money.
“Most products will be donated to frontline workers. I just want to help my community,” said Ma, who has been running a billboard and sign manufacturing company in Richmond for many years.
Ma and his friends came across a video online several days ago about a Taiwanese anesthesiologist, Dr. Hsien Yung Lai, who invented the Aerosol Box to give additional protection to doctors while they perform endotracheal intubations on patients.
Dr. Lai shared his design concept, the raw materials he used and costs online, accessible to anyone, hoping to protect more healthcare workers around the world.
“We spent a long time looking at the instructions, finding materials and making these products to fight COVID-19,” said Ma, adding that his friends and other generous people will share the costs, including $4,000 in materials.
“The good thing is that we don’t need to count labour costs - my friends and I have been volunteering to work in the factory.”
Jeff Jiang, a close friend of Ma said he didn't want his family to know that he was working in the factory to produce this protective gear, because his family might get worried.
“My children and wife asked me to stay home and let others take care of it. But it’s time for me to step up to support others as much as I can,” said Jeff.
“Protecting the safety and health of healthcare workers are so important. If they get sick, this will leave all of society on the brink of collapse.”
With help from local volunteers, the friends managed to donate several aerosol boxes and four face shields to Vancouver General Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital for testing.
Ma also inscribed a heartfelt message on the side of each aerosol box they made.
“We are called to live not as one without others, above or against others, but with and for others. The Chinese community is with you,” read the message.
“No one is self-sufficient on his own, everyone relies on the company and support of others in order to thrive,” said Ma.
