Chances are that you’ve seen the images of healthcare workers around the world with bruised faces as a result of prolonged use of protective surgical masks.
Even for those lucky enough to have the necessary equipment, shifts right now are hell. Fighting COVID-19 is, by all accounts, like trying to push back a raging ocean tide, and the faces of certain healthcare workers taken after their shifts – like the one below – have gone viral for good reason.
A hospital in Canada issued a call to anyone who could help to alleviate the pain being caused by surgical masks. One Boy Scout, Quinn Callander, answered their plea in an absolutely fantastic way.
The enterprising youngster got to work on designing an ear guard produced by his 3-D printer. The guards take the straps from the mask and elevate them to the back of the head so that they no longer rub against a wearer’s ears.
Well, Quinn’s mom shared her son’s invention on Facebook and the photos have achieved viral fame. So far, more than 340,000 people have shared them.
“Quinn answered a request from the local hospitals for help with creating more ‘ear guards’ to help take the pressure off health care workers ears from wearing masks all day,” his mother’s Facebook post read. “He got busy on his 3D printer and has been turning out dozens of ear guards to donate.”
Not only that, but Quinn has made the 3-D printing files public, meaning anyone with such a printer can copy the design and produce their own.
“In one week I’ve personally produced over 1300 straps, 1215 have gone to a few hospitals in my region where they seem to be really appreciated,” Quinn wrote in the file. “A volunteer group that I’m contributing to in the Vancouver BC area has delivered over 3300 straps including mine.”
What a fantastic idea, and what a brilliant initiative by someone so young. Quinn, you’re an inspiration to us all.
We think young Quinn deserves all the praise in the world for his hard work ❤️
Share this article on Facebook to pay tribute to him, and to show the healthcare workers of this country that you support the incredible job they are doing each and every day.
