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AED Failure, Wrongful Death, Cardiac Science Corp. Recall
A Washington medical device maker, Cardiac Science Corporation has initiated a voluntary recall worldwide for approximately 12,200 AEDs (automated external defibrillators). The reason for the voluntary recall is that some AEDs may fail to deliver electric therapy during a resuscitation attempt.
According to Wikipedia, an AED is used externally because the user applies the electrode pads to the bare chest of the victim. The AED has the automatic ability to autonomously analyze the patient's condition, assisted by device spoken prompts as well as visual displays to instruct the user.
When turned on or opened, the AED will instruct the user to connect the electrodes or pads to the patient. Once the pads are attached, avoid touching the patient so as to avoid false readings by the unit. The pads allow the AED to examine the electrical output from the heart and determine if the patient is in a shockable rhythm (either ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia). If the device determines that a shock is warranted, it will use the battery to charge its internal capacitor in preparation to deliver the shock. This system is not only safer by charging only when required, but also allows for a faster delivery of the electrical current.
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Affected models in this recall include:
- Powerheart 9300A, 9300E, 9300P, 9390A, 9390E
- CardioVive 92532
- CardioLife 9200G and 9231
These affected models were manufactured in such a way which makes them potentially susceptible to failure under certain conditions.
There used to be a TV commercial and a very effective one at that, where a high school basketball player falls to the floor. His loving mother watching from the stands is aghast with emotion. A hush falls over the gym. An AED is rushed to the scene and minutes later the mother and son are hugging and the crowd is going wild. The commercial is for a brand of batteries.
Imagine when an AED fails, not because of batteries but because of the AED's manufacturer's negligence. This may be cause for a wrongful death or product negligence lawsuit. If an AED or any medical device has malfunctioned, please contact us for a complimentary consultation to find out what your legal options are.
