COVID19 Full Face Mask for Docs & urgent need Fund
I’m Andrew Porter, the founder of Ninja Shark - the premium full face snorkel mask manufacturer based in Sydney, Australia.
We are a small Aussie family business and under the Coronavirus pandemic rapidly spreading around the world, the demand for protective equipment has already surpassed the supply. The lack of proper masks and eye gear is impeding on our ability to safely leave our homes. More than that, it is impeding medical workers in their fight against the coronavirus as they put their own lives at risk by improvising safety gear.
Working closely with medical professionals and volunteers we’ve decided to use all our experience to convert in case of emergency and not other PPE available, our full-face waterproof masks into a possible alternative for protection. Our new proposal should not replace any existing certified PPE.
Australian hospitals are running out of supplies for their frontline healthcare workers -- Doctors, Nurses & healthcare staff who are treating COVID-19 patients. In Italy, 1 in every 10 Coronavirus cases is a healthcare worker. The head of Italy’s medical association died of Coronavirus on March 10th, 2020, because he had to continue to see infected patients without a mask.
In rural hospitals, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers already say they don't have enough PPE (personal protective equipment) or the stock is running low.
Healthcare workers, first responders, unable to get proper equipment, daily make the decision to go to work and risk being infected.
100% of all donations are going into purchasing protective gear for health professionals and those in urgent need.
Healthcare workers are afraid of contracting the virus, of not having the equipment to protect themselves, transmitting to other patients, transmitting it to each other, transmitting it to family members
“Melbourne GP clinic closed after doctor tests positive for coronavirus”
Source: ABC News
Doctors, nurses, and other frontline health workers during the coronavirus crisis are faced with a critical lack of protective equipment. Some have started asking for protective equipment online.
We have received feedback from doctors on how they have started using snorkelling masks in order to maintain safety while handling coronavirus cases. Please note we can't guarantee the full protection of a full face snorkel mask in a medical environment.
We need your help, now, considering the time-sensitive events we live today and the rapid spread of coronavirus that affects everyone, including the front line heroes.
CLICK HERE to follow the Project & Preorder for yourself
The health care workers are not the only ones facing these shortcomings.
Ordinary people, adults and kids, trying to protect themselves are in the same situation.
Every single dollar counts and together we can make a HUGE difference.
CLICK HERE to follow the Project & Preorder for yourself
We’ve already provided samples and prototypes to medical staff, but in order to really make a difference today, we need your support.
Coronavirus cases in Australia will peak in May-June
The peak of coronavirus infections is forecast to happen in either May or June, according to Australia's health experts.
Together, we can make a difference. 100% of your donation goes directly towards filling the urgent need of PPE, and other critical supplies.
OUR GOAL
Our goal is to acquire, distribute, and deliver as many mask sets as possible to hospitals, nurse centres and people in need throughout Australia with the help of your donations!
If we surpass our goal, we will keep acquiring additional PPE(Personal protective equipment) for frontline healthcare workers until every last cent is spent.
OUR COMMITMENT
Once the crowdfunding reaches the goal, we will start the mass production and any donation provided here will be converted into our new full-face Air mask. We will provide updates here with all deliveries, so you can stay updated on where the donations are going.
We will be posting stories & photos of our donations, hand-offs, and the doctors you are helping on our Facebook Page , Instagram (@ninjasharkau ) , Twitter (@ninjasharkau ).
STORIES FROM THE FIELD:
“Yesterday I had to resuscitate a Covid 19 suspected surgical patient who had an arrest in theatres, without the benefit of an n95 mask. I've never known fear more than I have since then. Many of my colleagues will either have the same levels or will develop the same fear. Help us get on top of it as quick as you can.”
- Chris S, R.N.
“On getting the prototype mask, my suspicions were confirmed. It is awesome.
I plan to simply wrap a face mask around the intake snorkel. Currently if worn on the face, the face masks are meant to be changed every 45minutes (and between pts) given they fail after getting moist – an effect of expiration. Given your ‘circuits’ are one way, it means the face mask wouldn’t get moist and therefore would last much longer. Theoretically.
The face mask if fully washable, and therefore reusable.
So many benefits. Even down to repurposing after COVID for snorkelling – a ‘happy place’ thought that comes with a mask (I don’t think any other PPE includes that)“
- Dr Natasha C., BSc MBBS FRACGP FACRRM DRANZCOG JCCA A/FRACMA MAICD
“Our core business is high acuity international Air Ambulance but in this current climate we are seeing increased demand from domestic resource markets wanting us to shift mine site workers who may have sniffs, coughs and cold and may or may not be exposed….so we are wanting to equip passengers with a mask such as this to help protect our flight crews. Also issue to crew.”
- Bruce W., R.N, BSc(Nurs), GradDipSc, GradCertParamed, GradCertRetrievalMed
CLICK HERE to follow the Project & Preorder for yourself
OUR STORY
The birth of Ninja Shark
Ninja Shark started out more as a passion than a business.
When passion becomes entwined with ambition and determination, with small but confident steps, the dream has become a way of life.
We're proud to be a small Aussie family business born in South Sydney Shire, a wonderful endeavour, but also very challenging at the same time.
Andrew & Alizee, husband and wife, CEO and CFO at Ninja Shark Australia, have joined forces and ideas almost 4 years ago, in 2016, to develop the first Ninja Shark full face snorkel mask.
All our Ninja Shark products are designed and tested in Australia. But over the years, we've seen customers using our products all over the World.
We've started with just an idea but grew the Ninja Shark family very fast. Something that I'm sure we will do it again. To transform again a great idea into reality.
Today, with over +10,000 happy customers in the entire world, I know we can stand even stronger.
Our mission is to help people discover the underwater world, to discover new passions, to give them the opportunity to escape from everyday life and to provide them with well-being because snorkelling doesn't have to be difficult.
But today, we pause the fun for a second and ask your help to restore the faith and balance in the World.
Your impact (with any kind of support) is bigger than you can think of.
CLICK HERE to follow the Project & Preorder for yourself
FAQ
What does success look like?
If we can save one healthcare worker from being infected, we already consider ourselves successful. If a healthcare worker is infected, that means they will call in sick, meaning there is less coverage and reduces a hospital's capacity to properly take care of its patients, which has already begun happening.
Our current primary goal is to get enough funds here to be able to start the mass production for the Ninja Shark Air Adapter & Filter. We're hearing that most hospitals in Australia are either extremely low on supply or have already run out. Speed here is crucial. We also have been hearing that some hospitals around the country, as well as other frontline essential workers, are experiencing shortages as well.
How will the funds be used?
100% of the funds will go directly to facilitating the purchase and delivery of the new manufactured masks and other urgent Personal Protective Equipment for frontline healthcare workers. Our entire leadership team is donating their time and have foregone compensation for their work.
What have you accomplished so far?
(1) We've figured out how to convert our best seller Ninja Shark Air (adult & kids) into a possible alternative for environment filtration (this should not replace the medical PPE). Not just as a computer design or prototype but also for mass-production.
(2) We have direct relationships with suppliers of various materials (have been manufacturing snorkel masks for years now).
(3) We have already begun distributing samples & prototypes and the feedback has been amazing.
What is your current most pressing need?
(1) Funding - we already have the design, our working full face snorkel mask but require funds to secure the mould, materials and production. The inventory is disappearing every day as every infected country in the world is competing for supply. We are able to access this inventory only due to our strong network. The more funding we secure as soon as possible means the more masks we can get into frontline healthcare workers' hands.
Why aren’t the hospitals & government ordering protective masks directly?
Hospitals, as well as government agencies, are trying their best to procure masks. However, due to supply chain limitations and global competition, they are currently experiencing extreme shortages. We are fortunate to have close relationships with many of the factories producing masks.
I’ve seen other charity efforts related to COVID-19. How is this one different?
Your donation will go directly to support the production of full face masks & other PPE we can source. Because of the global shortage of masks & PPE, your funds will be able to get equipment that is in great need and out of reach for hospitals currently. Unlike other donations, ours is related directly to the supply of a protective solution, because we believe that protecting our frontline healthcare workers is the most important thing to do right now. We will be sharing photos & videos of healthcare workers receiving the donated equipment, so you can see your impact on the local community.
How are you procuring the masks sets?
By using our full face snorkel factory and keeping a good relationship with all suppliers.
Would you be providing other PPE?
Yes, we are currently searching for other ways to supply the standard PPE.
How much are you paying for the masks?
We are getting first-hand pricing on the materials. As pricing depends on order quantity, shipping rate (in this case, the faster the better to protect our healthcare workers), and competing demand, the number may change. However, we have spent our time comparing prices across multiple material suppliers to get the best possible price per unit.
How are you distributing the masks?
Through our delivery network, we will or our delivery partners personally pack them in Sydney and dispatch with the appropriate courier.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Currently, donations are not tax-deductible. We never functioned as a charity, therefore we don’t have the appropriate accreditation. We have realised that the need is so urgent that we must move forward and hope that you will donate.
I am a ER/ICU healthcare professional at an Australian hospital that is currently treating COVID-19 patients. We are short on PPE. How do we request Ninja Shark Air Filter masks?
Please note the new Air Filter Mask is not a medical device and hasn't been approved yet by TGA.
If you want to test our masks under your own personal responsibility:
Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/9eeaP5KKZDL5LYpM9
Aside from donations, how can we help?
If you have extra packaged and sealed N95 masks (or others) and live in Australia, you can e-mail us with a subject headline “Australia Mask Donation” and we can coordinate drop-off.
If you are a ER and/or ICU frontline healthcare worker, or a hospital supply administrator you can e-mail us with a subject headline “Hospital Professional: Air Mask Requests” at [email redacted].au
If you are or want to volunteer to help us with the distribution you can e-mail us with a subject headline “Air Mask Distribution Help”.
If you have a direct relationship with PPE manufacturers that can provide equipment at market costs, you can e-mail us with a subject headline “PPE Equipment Manufacturer”.
If you are a member of the press or would like to connect us with a member of the press, you can e-mail us with a subject headline “Press Contact” to [email redacted].au
Follow us:
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Instagram: @ninjasharkau Youtube
Hashtag: #ninjasharkau
Thank you for your support.
Andrew & the team,
NinjaShark.com.au
