New equipment at YRMC promises to keep workers safe

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The coronavirus pandemic is leading to changes in the operating room at Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC).

Surgeons have a new piece of equipment to keep them safe during this global pandemic.

Samuel May is the man behind it.

“It took me a few days to get all my parts and all my stuff cut up properly and get the right dimensions and stuff like that," May said.

May works as a carpenter at YRMC and is always around to answer the call for help.

He says the concept for the shield came from Dr. Diana Thant, an MD and anesthesiologist for the hospital.

"I used one-eighth plexiglass. I cut the plexiglass to the dimensions that were brought to my attention. And then I made an aluminum frame and used stainless steel screws for the fact that it’s going into the surgery area.”

The innovative shield is placed over patients, for doctors and frontline workers in the operating room.

“It protects you from any kind of liquid that's flying in the air when the patient coughs," May said.

Despite shortages on plexiglass and other materials, May was eager to build for a cause.

“Our country is in a bad situation right now with the covid thing. I feel it's part of my duty in this community to do something because those people are on the front line for us. They take care of us.”

May also tells me he is prepared to make more of these shields if necessary.

“Anything to help other people. That's what we are here for and that's what our department is about. We keep the hospital going.”