The Washington state maker of a popular defibrillator used for first aid by many Philadelphia businesses, manufacturers and emergency response teams has recalled more than 12,000 automated external defibrillators. Generally included in the equipment carried by EMT vehicles, portable defibrillators are a relatively recent addition to the first aid equipment installed on manufacturing plant floors, in doctor's offices, at recreational centers and swimming pools and in corporate and business settings. Portable defibrillators are also often carried with traditional first aid kits in police cars.
When an individual's heart stops beating, a defibrillator will often be used to "shock" the heart with an electronic burst that, hopefully, will start the heart beating again. According to the recall statement issued by Cardiac Science of Bothell, Washington, the recalled defibrillators "may not be able to deliver therapy during a resuscitation attempt, which may lead to serious adverse events or death." In plain language, the defective defibrillators won't generate enough juice to restart the heart.
The recall of Cardiac Science defibrillators involves devices manufactured or serviced between October 19, 2009 and January 15, 2010. According to news reports, the product defect was discovered by Cardiac Science quality control measures. The company says it has not received any complaints or reports of malfunctions in the field. However, Philadelphia personal injury attorneys point out that if a person failed to be revived with use of a defective defibrillator, the failure might be attributed to fate, not a defective product malfunction, particularly if the individual rendering first aid has no formal medical training. Since this is one of the express purposes for which the defibrillators are marketed -- i.e., the provision of first aid by average citizens in commercial and residential emergencies -- a product defect of this nature could make the manufacturer liable for personal injuries or death that might occur from use of this medical device.
