technology Unique Solution for Pandemic Preparedness Invented in Bay County by: Jennifer McCabe, Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, Reusable Respirators, LLC.
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ith advancements in science and technology, who would have thought the COVID-19 pandemic could strike the healthcare system and leave a
(RR). RR is a subsidiary of ARA that was established for respirator manufacturing. “We put together our collective thoughts and
shortage of N95 respirators? The spread of COVID-19 seemed to
worked with industries all over the world to come up with a unique
take the world by surprise.
solution we call ElastoMaskPro. It’s a combination of various types
While the concept of a pandemic was new to the public, scientists at Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc., in Panama City, began
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said Brian Heimbuch, Vice President of Reusable Respirators LLC
of respirators and is targeted for use in frontline worker environments.”
investigating a solution to address a potential supply shortage
ElastoMaskPro can help hospitals avoid supply chain issues such
more than 15 years ago. “We started thinking about this after the
as those that occurred in 2020. With supplies running low and
2009 H1N1 pandemic, and we knew at that time, there would be
little options left, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
a shortage of respirators if we ever got to a severe pandemic,”
released guidance suggesting healthcare workers store used
BAY BIZ / SPRING 2022
