Glenn Family Services is repurposing their laser cutter to help Owensboro Health staff stay healthy through the COVID-19 crisis by making intubation boxes and supplies related to personal protection.
Glenn Taylor, Jr., of Glenn Family Services, reached out to OH Executive Director of Facilities Joe Taylor with an idea. Glenn wanted to use the laser cutter — typically used to personalize memorialization items — to meet any possible needs of the hospital.
Two imminent needs were intubation boxes and face shields. Intubation boxes are used to contain the spread of the virus when a patient is put on or taken off of a ventilator. Plastic face shields provide an extra layer of protection when paired with a surgical mask.
Though the face shields are currently on hold, they’ve been able to start production on the intubation boxes. Glenn Family Services has also already been donating their time and use of the machine to the hospital and other healthcare providers by making mask clips and cutting material for cloth masks.
“I saw the opportunity to help the healthcare workers in our area with resources I had at my disposal,” Glenn said. “Joe and I really worked hard to get (production of the boxes) going as fast as possible so the people on the front lines were as protected as they could be.”
Glenn found an open source design for the boxes and joined a Facebook group called #TeamKentuckyMakers. The group has pooled resources and ideas to help healthcare workers by utilizing 3D printers and laser cutters.
Mark Poole — a member of the Facebook group who works at Sprocket Innovation in Paducah — had been in contact with Glenn regarding mask clips he had been making. Mask clips help to redistribute friction on the ears of clinicians that are now required to wear surgical or N95 masks throughout their entire shift.
When Glenn said he was working on the intubation boxes, Poole shared some design changes and input they had received while making their own for other hospitals.
Glenn, Joe and Ashlee James — who helps operate the laser cutter — created plywood and plexiglass prototypes, made adjustments, and have now delivered 13 intubation boxes. Glenn Family Services has also made more than 600 mask clips and cut the cloth for more than 5,000 masks for local healthcare providers.
“I have been so impressed with the selfless contributions of the people in our community. Glenn and his friends are saving lives and keeping our healthcare workers safe,” Joe said. “They ask nothing in return. They are just incredible.”
Glenn said he’s been happy to provide help for those who need it:
“It has been so amazing to be part of a community, both in Daviess County and across the state, that has come together to help others.”
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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
