The Balloon Ringer's Solution for Children

red dot
red dot award: design concept 2007

design:
Han Chang-Geun	Park Jin-Won

Taking the form of a balloon, The Balloon Ringer’s Solution helps child patients move about freely and joyfully.

Ringer’s solution is a fluid that is isotonic with blood and intended for intravenous administration in health care facilities. Most warded adults and children alike have to live with Ringer’s solution all day. Existing portable Ringer’s solution supporters, to which the Ringer’s solutions are attached, are unfriendly and make moving around cumbersome especially for young children. These stainless steel portable frames are too big and heavy for children, and they make going to the restroom, or going out, even for a moment, difficult for them. 

As the Ringer’s solution has to be maintained at a height above the level of the heart to avoid regurgitation, the idea of the helium-filled balloon is incorporated in the design development of The Balloon Ringer’s Solution, which allows it to constantly float above the heart level.  Shaped to resemble a balloon, The Balloon Ringer’s Solution, withthe Ringer’s Solution placed within a helium-filled balloon, gives pleasure and provides a handy alternative for children. 

Friendly characters illustrated on The Balloon Ringer’s Solution draw children to them, which allow them to forget the fear associated with traditional Ringer’s solution. The Balloon Ringer’s Solution also provides them with much appreciated friendly “companions” while they are in hospital. Besides providing medical care to these children, The Balloon Ringer’s Solution can also cheer up children who are tired of living in a hospital for a long time.