The need for innovative medical solutions has become increasingly evident in the wake of global health crises, such as the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. One critical area of concern is the administration of intravenous (IV) treatments, especially in scenarios where healthcare professionals are overwhelmed or at risk. To address this, I am developing a spring-loaded, self-inserting cannula designed for ease of use by individuals without medical training.

The Challenge: Ensuring Timely IV Access Amidst Health Crises

During infectious disease outbreaks, the risk of transmission through close contact leads to a shortage of available healthcare workers. This shortage hampers the timely administration of essential treatments, such as rehydration therapy and medications like ivermectin. In the 2014–2016 Ebola epi ...