New Solution for Indoor Mass Isolation for Pandemic Preparedness
Mintie Technologies, Inc. has introduced the ECU2TM and Corridor FlangeTM accessory, a solution that provides for indoor individual and mass airborne isolation in the event of a public health emergency. The combination of a portable anteroom/airlock, a corridor sealing accessory (flange) and a HEPA filtered negative air machine that can isolate entire corridors and wings enables hospitals to isolate large numbers of people during a public health emergency without building modifications. This new approach to creating mass isolation within existing spaces is particularly well timed, as planning for emergency preparedness has taken on additional urgency. The ECU2 is a premium version of Mintie Technologies' ECU AnteRoom. Using the same patented, portable collapsible frame technology as its popular ECU line, the ECU2 is 30% larger and designed so multiple units can be joined in a "modular" configuration. This enables the user to create a negatively pressurized entry and exit point for designated isolation areas that is large enough to fit a gurney or bed. The new Corridor Flange expands the benefits of the ECU2 by enabling any portion of a hospital corridor or wing to be isolated without any costly, permanent building modifications. The ECU2 and Corridor Flange accessory were developed in response to the healthcare industry's concerns about the lack of viable solutions for indoor mass isolation. After several years of planning for a surge of patients during a bioterrorism or pandemic emergency, hospitals and government agencies are expanding their response strategies to include isolation of larger areas, such as patient care units, floors or wings. Doug Koehler, Director of Facilities for Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA, and the director of the hospital's Bioterrorism Planning Committee, sums it up, "If you have an outbreak of avian influenza, you will need to keep everyone in the same place, and be able to truly isolate the infected from the rest of the hospital." Mintie Technologies worked with Koehler and his team to identify critical user needs in preparing for such events and incorporated the results into the development of the ECU2 and Corridor Flange accessory. The ECU2 is a collapsible, portable anteroom/airlock. Collapsing to the size of a large set of golf clubs, the frame opens to a footprint of 34.0" x 61.0" and extends to accommodate ceiling heights ranging from 7'0" to 10'6". This airlock space can be increased by joining multiple units together. The envelope is constructed of a durable, lightweight polyfabric that is flame-rated to comply with NFPA 701. Four doors facilitate the rapid movement of equipment and personnel into isolated areas, while a negative air port enables HEPA-filtered negative air filtration compliance. The Corridor Flange is a separate accessory that zips easily into the ECU2 and is attached to the entire circumference of the hallway to form a protective barrier at the entry/exit point of an isolated area. The ECU2 was engineered to meet the stringent infection control codes and standards, and has been clinically tested by epidemiologists and infection control practitioners. It is designed to meet CDC, AIA, JCAHO standards and satisfies HRSA Critical Benchmark #2.2 for isolation surge capacity. For more information about the ECU2 and Corridor Flange Accessory and the line of ECU products, please visit our Web site at www.mintietechnologies.com About Mintie Technologies, Inc. Los Angeles-based Mintie Technologies (www.mintietechnologies.com) is the market leader designing and developing specialized containment products for airborne particulates, infection control, and bio-security. The company's products include the ECUTM and ECU2TM line of environmental containment solutions for hospital construction and maintenance and indoor individual and mass isolation, as well as HEPA-filtered air purification and vacuum equipment. Mintie Technologies is affiliated with Mintie Corporation, providers of indoor air quality solutions to the healthcare, industrial and commercial sectors for over 65 years.
