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Critical Alert: Recall of 1.5 Million Bed Rails Following Fatal Senior Incidents

Senior laying on bed in hospital

In a significant product recall, Medline Industries has announced the withdrawal of approximately 1.5 million adult bed rails due to serious safety concerns. This decision came after two tragic incidents where senior citizens lost their lives due to becoming trapped by the rails. Here’s everything you need to know about the recall, the risks, and the steps you can take if you own one of these devices:

1. Overview of the Recall

Medline Industries has recalled about 1.5 million of its Medline Bed Assist Bar adult bed rails. These devices were intended to provide support for getting in and out of bed but have been found to pose unexpected dangers.

2. Reason for the Recall

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a serious risk associated with these bed rails. When installed, there’s a potential for users to become entrapped either within the rail itself or between the rail and the mattress side. Such entrapment can lead to severe harm or even death by asphyxiation.

Close up hand of elderly patient with intravenous catheter for injection plug in hand during lying in the hospital bed

3. Reported Incidents

The recall was prompted by two fatal incidents. A 76-year-old woman at an Iowa nursing home and an 87-year-old resident at a South Carolina care facility both died after becoming trapped by the rails. These incidents highlight the critical nature of the entrapment hazard.

4. Product Details

The recall affects two specific models of the Medline bed rails:

  • Model No. MDS6800BA: Sold individually.
  • Model No. MDS6800BAH: Sold in cases of three.

Consumers can identify these models by checking the horizontal support frame for the model numbers.

5. Sales Information

These products have been available for purchase since July 2009 and were sold up until March of the current year. Major retailers including Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Amazon, Magic Medical, and Cascade Healthcare Solutions have carried these items.

6. Refund Information

Medline is offering refunds to consumers who have purchased these recalled bed rails. If you own one of these models, you can contact Medline directly to arrange for a refund. They are available by phone at 866-359-1704 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, or via email at recalls@medline.com.

7. Action to Take If You Own a Recalled Rail

If you have a Medline Bed Assist Bar, stop using it immediately to prevent the risk of entrapment. Check the model number on the frame and if it matches the recalled models, contact Medline for a refund. Do not attempt to modify the bed rail to make it safer.

Aged ill woman hardly getting out of bed holding on railing, hospital ward

8. Safety Tips for Using Bed Rails

For those who use bed rails or are considering them for home use, it’s crucial to ensure they are securely attached and compatible with the bed and mattress they are used with. Regularly inspect the rails for signs of wear or damage and review the installation to ensure no gaps could pose an entrapment hazard.

9. Looking Ahead

Medline Industries, in consultation with the CPSC, is taking steps to prevent future incidents by enhancing the safety features of their products. They are also likely to implement stricter safety tests and guidelines for the use of bed rails in both home and care settings.

10. Further Resources and Support

For more information on this recall and others, you can visit the CPSC website. It provides updates on product recalls and safety news to help consumers stay informed about the products they use.

This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of product safety, especially when it involves vulnerable populations such as seniors. It underscores the need for rigorous safety standards and continuous monitoring of products post-market to ensure they perform safely as intended.