Lifebox Brings Pulse-oximetry to Those Without Access

Lifebox was a resident-driven project in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Florida that enabled pulse-oximetry in order to improve patient safety in operating rooms around the world that don’t currently have access to this important patient safety technology. Dr. Sephalie Patel, a graduate of our residency program, enlisted the aid of her parents (directors of the Wise Foundation) and issued a challenge grant to the department. If every faculty member would donate $250 to purchase a “Lifebox” pulse oximeter and every resident donate some amount of money toward the purchase of a Lifebox, the Wise Foundation would donate sufficient money to enable each resident’s contribution to purchase a Lifebox. 135 Lifeboxes were purchased through this challenge for distribution. Dr. Patel and Dr. Kiki Nin organized bake sales and a party to encourage resident donation. Administrative staff assisted as well by contributing and organizing bake sales.