Tech company's lights being used to kill germs in ambulances
Vital Vio, the Troy, New York, company that designs lights meant to kill bacteria, such as MRSA, E. coli and salmonella, is expanding into new markets by bringing its technology to ambulances.
Vital Vio has been working with Code 3, a company based in St. Louis, Missouri, that designs and manufactures emergency lighting, through a licensing agreement. That partnership has brought about its first product, a light with Vital Vio’s technology that can be installed in place of regular interior ambulance lighting.
The lights bring better protection for patients and emergency vehicle crews.
While ultraviolet lights can be used to disinfect surfaces, UV light is not safe for people to absorb. Vital Vio’s products install like regular lights and are meant to be left on to provide continuous disinfection without harming people.
The partnership with Code 3 opens up opportunities beyond ambulance lighting, to other emergency vehicles, as well as school buses, fleet vehicles and more.
It is the latest development for Vital Vio, which CEO Colleen Costello started after graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
In the last year, Vital Vio has raised new money, entered into licensing agreements with manufacturers and expanded into new markets, including food truck lighting and a partnership with Duke University to bring its technology to training gyms. The company is also defending itself against lawsuits targeting its business partners.