The rapid spread of the coronavirus around the country has left many health care workers scrambling to get the protective equipment they need. And while many locals have stepped up by sewing and donating masks to local medical professionals, one local man has found another way to help those on the front lines.
“I had been seeing news reports of people using their 3D printers to make face shields and thought why not try it,” said local entrepreneur Aaron Barnes.
Barnes, whose wife Erin has worked in the medical field for more than 15 years, said he knew the importance of safety equipment like face shields during these times and wanted to do what he could to help those in need in our community.
“A friend actually reached out and asked if he had any face shields left from when I worked in the trailer manufacturing industry. I didn’t but that is what kind of started this for me.”
Making the face shields is done in two steps – use the 3D printer to build the headband then attach a simple heavy-duty sheet protector like what you’d find at Office Depot.
“People who have designed the headband posted files online that I downloaded and then loaded onto my computer. My computer is connected to the 3D printer which then turns a spool of plastic into a physical part,” explained Barnes.
Each headband takes about one hour to make and Barnes has been able to produce roughly 50 face shields so far.
On Wednesday, he made the trip to Dallas to not only get more supplies but also pick up a second 3D printer so he can double the number of face shields he makes each day.
Barnes explained that re-using the masks is up to the individual, however, many medical professionals are safely sanitizing the face shields after wear each day.
So far, Barnes has made his face shields available at no cost to PRMC and Paris EMS.
“I have very limited capacity so these will be for the highest risk health care professionals only but I would like to make them available to others.”
If you have a serious need, please text your name, group/organization you are with and your requested quantity to Aaron Barnes at 903-491-5512.
Additionally, if you have a 3D printer and would like to help out, contact Barnes so he can pass on the information.
