Several Littleton Public Schools career and technical education teachers and students are using their advanced skills to make important safety equipment for local healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Intubation Boxes for ER staff
CTE teachers Marc Finer (Newton Middle School), David McMullen (Arapahoe High School) and Kent Allison (former Heritage High School and current Mountain Vista High School) are working with a team of ER doctors from UCHealth to design and build Intubation Boxes. This is a protective device used when a doctor has to intubate a COVID-19 patient. This is the most dangerous time for the ER staff due to the rush of air that is expelled from the patient’s lungs during the procedure. 

The teachers were able to use their Littleton Public Schools shops and equipment. “We could not succeed in this endeavor otherwise,” said Marc Finer. “We use real life scenarios with our students when we teach. I can't think of a better example than this.” 

Their 4th prototype was recently approved by CUHealth ER staff and they have already produced 8 boxes at Newton Middle School and Arapahoe High School.

The teachers used their own money for research and development to create the prototypes and are donating their work. Those wishing to help them cover their costs can make a tax-deductible donation to the LPS Foundation.

Face shields for healthcare workers
STEM and Metals Teacher Diane Gaston (Powell Middle School) is working with some of her students to coordinate the 3D printing of face shields for healthcare workers. One of her students, 7th grader Kaden Wass, turned his family's home sauna into his very own sterile 3D print lab! As of April 15, Kaden had made 91 face shields that are already in use at Children's Hospital and at facilities on the western slope!

Ventilator expansion and respirator filters for hospital patients and first responders
Tech and Engineering Teacher Pamela Wilkens (Littleton High School) is 3D printing diverters to be used with ventilators, which will allow multiple patients to utilize one ventilator. She is also sewing personal protective equipment masks and respirator filter covers for Evergreen Fire Rescue first responders.