Welch Allyn has recalled 14,000 of its automated external defibrillators after receiving reports of problems which could be fatal to users. Customers have been sent letters on what to do if they have one of the devices. Here are the details...

Recall details

According to information from the global medical company Welch Allyn and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), approximately 14,000 automated external defibrillators (AEDs), devices that are designed to send an electrical shock to the heart and let its natural pacemaking abilities to take over. The affected models AED 10 and MRL Jump Start defibrillators which were made between October 3, 2002 and January 25, 2007.

The company and the FDA have said that numerous problems have been reported with these medical devices such us delivering less defibrillation energy than they were programmed for, being susceptible to electromagnetic interference and unexpectedly shutting down during use – all of which could prevent a cardiac patient from being properly defibrillated and could be fatal.

The company has sent a letter to customers about the recall and provided instructions to return their AED units so that they can either be repaired or replaced if necessary and says that customers in the U.S. and Canada may either exchange their AED 10 for a similar device at no cost, or purchase a new AED 10 directly from Welch Allyn at a reduced cost. International customers will be offered exchange AED 10 devices.

What to do if you've been injured?

If you've been injured by a defective defibrillator – whether the device worked incorrectly or not at all – contact an experienced medical device recall attorney hose practice focuses in medical device liability as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Depending upon the facts and circumstances of your situation, potential damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.

Additional information

For additional information on the recall, see the FDA's website at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/psn/transcript.cfm?show=86#7, Welch Allyn's website at http://www.welchallyn.com/support/customer/AED_lookup.jsp or contact the company directly at 1-888-345-5356.