Patients and caregivers using Medline-brand beds should follow revised power and repair instructions after the Food and Drug Administration issued an October 29 safety alert.
The action covers all Medline-brand homecare, bariatric and long-term-care beds, plus associated pendants, accessories, replacement parts and packages containing beds. The FDA alert links to the full affected-product list.
As of October 20, Medline had reported two deaths and 16 serious injuries associated with the issues, according to the FDA. Electrical components can overheat, creating fire, shock and burn hazards. Accessories, loose or wobbly rails, or a person lying on a hand-control pendant can create entrapment or asphyxiation risks.
The revised instructions
Medline's October 24 customer notice updates its October 14 removal and discontinuation notice. It allows affected beds and accessories to remain in use under the revised instructions while customers arrange repair or replacement.
Medline tells users to:
- Unplug the bed when it is not being used to reposition the patient. Plug it in when necessary adjustments are needed, then unplug it afterward.
- Do not use extension cords.
- Have a second person available to help with using and moving the bed whenever possible.
- Avoid repairing, modifying or altering the bed unless Medline specifically authorizes the repair process.
Repair, replacement and refund options
Some beds may qualify for repair. For products that cannot be repaired, Medline will determine eligibility for replacement or a full or partial refund of the original purchase price.
Those remedies may be available for certain beds, rails, mattresses and accessories purchased within the past five years. Older products remain subject to the field action and updated instructions.
Call Medline Recall Customer Service at 800-950-0128, option 7, to start the applicable process. Report adverse events to Medline using option 5 and to FDA MedWatch.
