URI_Research_Magazine_Momentum_Fall_2020_Melissa-McCarthy

In early March, hospitals across the United States began to prepare for what was projected to become a staggering rise of COVID-19 patients. With models forecasting Rhode Island could need around 2,000 ventilators as the virus spread — a stark contrast to the 200 on hand, the state turned to researchers at the University of Rhode Island (URI) for help.

“Y-splitters” designed by Professor Phillips and his team are used when treating more than one patient on a single ventilator.

FALL | 2020 Page 19