Nurse designs Teletubbies-colored hazmat suits


These days, the news has been filled with worrying COVID-19 updates – but there is also news coming out of the Philippines about creative ways to tackle the disease.

These rainbow hazmat suits to protect hospital staff, designed by a Filipino nurse who also happens to be a fashion designer, are here to brighten up your newsfeed.


A nurse who is also a designer


health workers in rainbow hazmat suitsImage credit: @senoritoaidz

As a full-time health worker, Adrian Pe saw how big of a problem it was for hospitals to be low on personal protective equipment, especially in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. 

And as a designer in his spare time, he combined his passion for his day job and his after-hours creativity to take on this problem by the root. 

Thus, from his ingenuity was born these colorful, Teletubbies-themed protective suits that are now being worn by healthcare staff in the halls of The Medical City Iloilo.


Nurses and doctors give up their breaks to help make protective suits


health workers making hazmat suits on the floor
Image credit: @senoritoaidz

Instead of using their breaks to rest up, grab a meal, or take a much-needed nap, Pe’s fellow nurses and doctors have been sacrificing their breaks to make these improvised suits by hand in a room the hospital allows them to use. Altogether, they make around 30 boots, face masks, aprons, and 2 complete suits within a day. Pe also hires tailors to produce even more of the protective gear.

Such selfless acts are few and far between, and Pe explained their efforts in an Instagram caption, saying, “This is our way not only to suffice the need for PPE[,] but to also inspire others with [a] silver lining amidst the pandemic.


The self-made hazmat suits are good for the pocket and environment


materials such as colorful fabric and garters
Image credit: @senoritoaidz

These personal protective equipment sets that Pe designed aren’t just a feast for the eyes, but they’re made of eco-friendly materials, too – such as non-woven eco-bag fabric, plastic charol (patent leather), and reusable parachute material. 

And seeing as these materials were made from donated materials from members of the public, Pe and his team will pay it forward by distributing these suits to medical frontliners around Iloilo for free.

Also check out these COVID-19 updates from the Philippines:


Cover image adapted from: @senoritoaidz, @senoritoaidz

Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.