As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to grow, the number of patients in dire need of expert care has already begun to put a strain on our healthcare systems worldwide. In the U.S. specifically, hospitals have been unable to supply enough ventilators for critically-ill patients during this pandemic.California Governor Gavin Newsom called on Bloom Energy to see if the Bloom team could repurpose some old ventilators. While other manufacturers are studying and looking at the feasibility to help support production for new medical devices such as ventilators, the Bloom team took action and answered the Governor’s call. As you may know, ventilators are critical to preventing respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19. While the original ventilator service provider told the Governor it might take a month to begin refurbishing, Bloom Operations knew that wasn’t an option with lives at risk. Less than 24 hours later, Bloom's manufacturing team had refurbished 24 ventilators and is now refurbishing an additional 25 more in California and expect to begin similar refurbishment work in Delaware this week.
At this rate, Bloom estimates they can refurbish hundreds of ventilators a week, helping to meet the anticipated high demand. The Society of Critical Care Medicine estimates that 960,000 coronavirus patients in the U.S. may need to be put on ventilators, but there are only about 200,000 such working machines available – while thousands sit idle, having reached their end-of-service life.Bloom's team's willingness to innovate, solve tough challenges, and commit to the “art of the possible” in this time of need is a true showcase of Bloom's resilience. Their manufacturing teams are working with the State of California and the State of Delaware, and have offered services to other states, to begin refurbishing the thousands of out of service ventilators available in the U.S. Bloom is also working with state agencies and customers – many of which are hospitals and medical device companies – to identify additional supplies of ventilators that need refurbishing.
"While unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures, I could never have predicted that Bloom could have such a direct impact on our society. I am deeply humbled by our team's strength and ability to step up to this challenge. As a U.S.-based manufacturer, we take our responsibility to this country seriously and we stand ready to serve. Like our customers and the communities we serve, we are strong and we are resilient. I am blessed to work with such an amazing group of people."
Andrew Patterson Director, Partner Engagement BloomEnergy Corporation
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