Engineers make masks for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital staff

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION) Engineers have stepped up to help keep local hospital staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PacSci EMG engineers have made and given 16 frames and 75 face shields to staff at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.

The project started when Patrick Piccoli, the husband of ER nurse Kristi Piccoli, learned that they were in need of personal protective equipment and reached out to engineers at his company.

PacSci EMC's General Manager gave his approval for staff to give their time and resources to help create PPE.

From there, lead engineer Richard Henderson made a 3-D printed prototype and the project got started. The hospital said that within 24 hours, staff was starting to get the first pieces to test for comfort and sizing.

Henderson said it takes 31 hours to make eight frames, but they home to keep going until there are shields for every employee who needs one.

The hospital said PacSci EMC is also working on making shields for personal air purifying respirators.