This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
MHRA urges organisations to check for faulty defibrillator
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised people and organisations to check public access defibrillators for a technical fault.
The regulator has highlighted that some of the LIFEPAK 1000 Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) devices may have a technical fault meaning they may not deliver an electric shock to the heart to someone who is in cardiac arrest.
This issue could potentially affect all LIFEPAK 1000 devices. There are 10,068 devices in the UK.
According to a statement from the MHRA, the devices are available in public places such as schools, airports, football stadiums and leisure centres. They are often known as public access defibrillators (PAD) as they are intended to be used by anyone. They are also found in hospitals, clinics and ambulances. The manufacturer’s logo on the front cover may vary, displaying ‘Medtronic’ or ‘Physio-Control’.
The manufacturer, Physio-Control, has sent a safety alert to people with affected defibrillators with instructions for action. If you have not received an FSN from the manufacturer, please contact them directly. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a Medical Device Alert.
The fault is due to intermittent connection between the battery and device contacts because of wear and subsequent corrosion between both components. This could fail to deliver a shock to resuscitate a patient.
The MHRA advised that people should check that the serial number listed in their confirmation sheet matches the serial number on the label located on the back of the device.
If your device powers off unexpectedly, either during inspection or during patient treatment, immediately remove and reinstall your existing battery to restore power to the device. If power is not restored, replace the battery with a spare battery and call Physio-Control immediately to arrange for servicing of your device.
John Wilkinson, MHRA’s director of Medical Devices said: “These devices deliver life-saving treatment and it is vital they operate correctly when needed in an emergency. People who are responsible for them should carry out the checks recommended by the manufacturer.”
Wilkinson added: “If you have any questions please contact Physio-Control on 0808 258 0094.”
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