Experience report of epis production by health graduate students in the state of Roraima

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is considered a public health problem, as it is a respiratory virus with high speed of dissemination, without proven effective drug intervention. In the global context, this characteristic led to a financial and assistance collapse in the capacity of health systems, due to the increase in prolonged hospitalizations. In order to protect professionals in contact with the Coronavirus, the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases recommends the use of PPE. Objective: Given this scenario, the present report aims to demonstrate the feasibility of making low-cost handmade PPE, in an attempt to minimize the impacts on the Unified Health System (SUS). Methods: For this, an open online search of the various experiences of artisanal production of PPE was carried out with subsequent selection and adaptation of the model. Results: The prototypes had a significantly lower cost than the current market prices, in addition to having proven efficiency in tests. Conclusion: The production should not replace the N95, but save masks and face shields for professionals working on the front line against the COVID-19.