Doncaster bike park owner shares clever ventilator invention to help coronavirus patients

A Doncaster businessman and entrepreneur has invented a ventilator from an air pump and hosepipe which he says can be used to treat up to 24 coronavirus patients at a time.
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Eddie Todd, owner of Uncle Eddie’s motor park at Carcroft, has spent the last few weeks coming up with a prototype of his machine – and is now hoping health chiefs take him up on his idea, which he says could save thousands of lives.

Mr Todd says his homemade ventilator can be created at home using everyday household items – and could be used in hospitals to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

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He said: “I’ve spent about two weeks, studying and working out how to make a ventilator.

Eddie Todd has invented a ventilator from an air pump and hosepipe.Eddie Todd has invented a ventilator from an air pump and hosepipe.
Eddie Todd has invented a ventilator from an air pump and hosepipe.

“All you need is an hot tub air pump and hose pipe, wire it up to an oxygen and air mix and mains electric and you’re away.”

Mr Todd, who has previously stood to be Mayor of Doncaster and MP for Doncaster North, says the parts are all readily available to buy online.

He said: “I saw on TV that they needed more ventilators to tackle coronavirus and it set me thinking.

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“I’m not in this for money. I just want to help people and save lives.”

He set about purchasing an air pump – normally used for putting bubbles into hot tubs – and a standard garden hosepipe as well as valves to regulate oxygen.

He says linked up to an oxygen supply and electricity, his device would be able to treat 12 or even 24 COVID-19 patients at once.

Mr Todd says CPAP machines – used to treat sleep apnoea, a condition where people stop breathing when they sleep – could also be converted to be used as ventilators.

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“My granddaughter used my spare one,” he said. “She had the symptoms of coronavirus and couldn’t breathe, but within a few hours of using the machine, she was feeling a lot better.”

“I’d love for health chiefs to take up my ideas, but it is impossible to get anyone listening or to get in touch. I’m happy to put myself out there to talk to the Government.”

Mr Todd has recently flown back from the Gambia where he has been setting up charity kitchens in the African country, buying vital supplies for poorer people in the nation.

He said: “Things like this would be ideal for places like the Gambia because they are cheap and easy to put together.

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“My prototype is very rough and ready but I think it could instantly save lives.”

His bike park is currently closed – because of the Government’s rules on social distancing – but he says he is planning to convert it into a charity takeway during the coronavirus pandemic to help provide food for those in need.

He added: “I just want to help everyone. I’ve got loads of great ideas that can help save lives.”

He says any medical companies or healthcare providers interested in taking him up on his ideas, can contact him on 07475047774.