DO-IT-YOURSELF OXYBUS
The purpose of the OxyBus Initiative is to save lives. We are currently geographically limited but that doesn’t stop us from sharing our knowledge. We are sharing information in the public domain about how to build your own OxyBus so others may take this framework and save more lives.
Here are the steps to create an OxyBus using cylinders as a source of oxygen.
LAYOUT OF THE BUS
Any bus available to create an OxyBus will feature a layout similar to the figure illustrated above. The modification process will require removal of a certain set of seats to create space. This in turn will allow us to add medical equipment and cylinders for use inside the OxyBus.
Please note that the door of the OxyBus is kept open for ventilation, however everything else should remain shut to avoid contamination. A 25-30 ft bubble should be maintained around the bus to further reduce chances of contamination.
CONNECT TO EXTERNAL POWER SOURCE
The bus will need power to run fans, mobile chargers and oxygen concentrators (as needed). The ideal course of action is to draw power from the nearby hospital or triage centre which should have a 230V source. We also recommend having a diesel generator as backup.
The wiring can be laid through the bus with outlets placed at each station so that each outlet can support an oxygen concentrator, a fan, and a mobile phone charger.
REMOVAL OF SEATS
Remove alternate seats on both sides of the bus. The spaces are used to place cylinders.
REMOVAL OF REAR WINDSHIELD
If there is an overhead compartment, it must be removed. As a consequence of removing the compartment, the rear glass must be removed as well
MOUNTING THE FANS
There are fans attached in the bus for every station and the fans are attached to a separate battery that lasts for 12-24 hours.
These fans are not connected to the battery of the bus itself, otherwise they would drain the battery or the bus would have to be kept running which would mean constant fuel consumption.
NOTE: 3 ways to power fans -
AC power source from hospital or triage centre (recommended)
Adding a battery (alternate option)
Using the vehicle battery (last resort)
PLACING CYLINDERS
Once space has been cleared, you can use the existing metal setup to start mounting products.
For example, the grab rail at the front (on the right) is used to mount the D-Type heavy cylinders. The window pillar on the opposite side (on the left) is used for the same purpose.
This can be done along the whole bus where you can mount using the window pillars but this runs the risk of leaving the windows open and increasing chances of contamination.
The cylinders are 6 ft including nozzle and fitting.
CYLINDERS PLACED BEHIND SEATS
We have used the rear of the seat to mount smaller cylinders. There is a handle on the seats designed for passengers to hold on to. The cylinder is attached to this grab rail at the top. At the bottom it is fastened to the same place where the seats are mounted.
The fastening is done using 50-100 mm width double-sided velcro to avoid body work in the bus.
FITTINGS ON THE CYLINDER
On the cylinder you mount an oxygen gauge, flow meter and a humidifier. These are standard for all cylinders and are available at all medical stores.
To administer oxygen you will also need the nasal cannula. We have added stools and cushions to the seats for patients to rest properly.
PLACING CONCENTRATORS
The height of each 10L oxygen concentrator is 24 inches. We have used the rear of the seat to mount the 10L oxygen concentrators.
They are fastened to the same place where the seats are mounted.
The fastening is done using 50-100 mm width double-sided velcro to avoid body work in the bus.
The concentrators are plugged into an electrical outlet next to the seat which draws power from the central line connected to the external power source.
The final layout of the bus should look similar to this.