Medical Product Manufacturer Announces Recall of AED Devices

Last week, the Cardiac Science Corporation notified the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) of the voluntary recall of approximately 12,200 automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Manufactured between October 19, 2009 and January 15, 2010, the devices began to fail under certain conditions, though these conditions were not listed. The company stated that the failure is being attributed to a manufacturing defect.

While the company claims that it has not received reports of the problem from external sources or customers- the problem was found through internal testing- a defect like this can lead to serious medical complications, including death. AEDs are used to treat victims thought to be experiencing cardiac arrest; the devices attach to the victim and then provide prompts to guide rescuers through rehabilitation steps. The devices also analyze heart rhythms and determine if defibrillation shock is necessary for resuscitation.

According to the American Heart Association, studies have shown that AEDs, when combined with community training programs to ensure correct usage, have a market, positive affect on survival rates in cardiac arrest victims. Since equipping security guards with the devices, Las Vegas casinos have achieved a 50-74% survival rate for cardiac arrest victims on premises.

If you or a loved one have been affected by faulty medical equipment or a faulty product, please do not hesitate to contact the injury law firm of WWF&G for a FREE CONSULTATION at 1-800-WWFGLAW or go to their website at www.glissonlaw.com.