In a nutshell: Nearly a decade ago, a team of students from MIT developed a mechanical ventilator using a bag valve mask, the kind of manual resuscitation device you might see a first responder use in an ambulance. The project never moved past the prototype stage but now that we’re in the midst of a global pandemic that is forecasted to seriously test worldwide healthcare systems, the idea is being revisited.

The MIT Emergency Ventilator (E-Vent) is one of several potential solutions to the anticipated global lack of ventilators. Simply put, it is a manual Ambu-bag ventilator that is automated through the use of a mechanical device. As mentioned, Ambu-bags are common in critical care environments but there apparently isn’t any clinical evidence regarding their safety over longer periods of use like days or weeks.

MIT said its E-Vent is anticipated to be useful in scenarios where it can free up existing ventilator supply or in life-or-death situations where there is no other option, adding that any solution should only be used in a healthcare setting that is being monitored by a clinical professional.

MIT is publishing its open source design as a safety reference for those with the capabilities to manufacture ventilators. As you’ve no doubt heard, several unrelated companies including Tesla , 3M, GE and Ford have committed to manufacturing ventilators and other in-demand medical supplies like surgical masks .

The university is also submitting its design to the FDA for review under the Emergency Use Authorization authority.