FDA: Alert issued after fire-prone Medline beds linked to 2 patient deaths, 16 injuries
Several issues with components in Medline beds, used in a variety of healthcare settings, may pose a fire hazard, causing the company to issue an early alert, instructing customers to unplug the beds, seek repairs or stop using them altogether.
According to a statement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company has reported 16 serious injuries associated with the issue. Further, two patients lost their lives, according to data updated as of Oct. 20.
Parts used in the construction of the beds—which feature electrically powered adjustments via a hand controller—may overheat, leading to “smoking, sparking, melting, burning and/or fire,” the statement from FDA reads.
Risks go beyond the fire and could include electrical shocks.
Medline and the FDA said the issue is associated with the motors used to make the beds, which have been found to be faulty. If they become damaged through use, that’s when the risk of fire increases.
The company also said that use of third-party components could increase the risk further, leading to electrical components overheating. Medline said post-market surveillance has found use of the beds’ accessories has led to patients becoming trapped, unable to escape the bed, even in incidents where fire has not occurred.
All beds recalled
As a result of the widespread issue, Medline is pulling all of its beds from the market if they’re linked to the faulty components. This includes from any clinical setting where they’re being used, as well as from distributor lots and warehouses.
The faulty components are linked to the following lines of clinical beds branded by the company, including:
- Homecare Beds
- Bariatric Beds
- Long-term Care Beds
Further, all replacement parts from Medline, pendants and other accessories used by the above models are also being recalled, as they could be linked to the ongoing electrical failure and overheating issue.
Call to action
The FDA said Medline sent a letter to all known customers earlier this month, complete with options on how to proceed, should they be in possession of the recalled beds.
The first option is to have the company make repairs or issue a replacement, which can be done by calling 1-800-950-0128, option 7. Medline said it will work with all customers individually to determine the best course of action.
Another option is to continue using the beds as if they did not contain electronic components, only plugging it in when it comes time to adjust a patient. Medline added that these adjustments should be done with clinical supervision. It added that, when plugging in the beds to activate electrical components, an extension cord should never be used.
For more information, read the full early alert from the FDA by clicking here.
Those who experience adverse events associated with the Medline beds can report them to FDA MedWatch.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.