DH issues warning about automated external defibrillators

The Department of Health (DH) has issued a patient safety alert about defects found in two brands of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

The AEDs, MEDUCORE Easy and LIFEPAK 500, manufactured by Weinmann and Medtronic respectively, have been reported for safety issues that the DH warns could cause problems when trying to resuscitate a patient.

Problems have been encountered when charging the MEDUCORE Easy model, leading to a shorter than expected period of usage, whilst the LIFEPAK 500 is susceptible to letting moisture in, leading to malfunction.

To date, the DH has not received any reports of adverse incidents related to the two brands of AEDs in Hong Kong. Despite this, however, the DH has said, “The possibility of possession of the above devices by individual customers cannot be ruled out and given the dreaded potential consequence of failed resuscitation, DH opts that a public announcement is warranted as a matter of prudence."

The DH advises anyone who owns one of the AEDs to contact the manufacturer and follow any advice they issue regarding the devices.