900 poorly-maintained Irish defibrillators ‘may not work properly’

More than 900 defibrillators in Ireland may not work properly in a life-saving operation because recommended safety and maintenance updates have not been undertaken.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has identified around 940 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) where a corrective action remains outstanding.

An AED is a device that administers an electric shock to a person who has suffered a cardiac arrest.

There are up to 5,000 sudden cardiac deaths in Ireland every year, with more than 70% of all cardiac arrests occurring outside a hospital environment.

AEDs have been installed in many places where large groups of people tend to gather, such as shopping centres, sports clubs, community centres and schools.

The defibrillators needing corrective actions are: Lifepak CR Plus and 1000, both manufactured by Physio Control Inc; AED Plus by Zoll and Samaritan PAD, 300, 300P, and 500P by HeartSine

The manufacturers have been trying to contact the owners and have issued field safety notices. The notices are also published by the HPRA on its website.

The authority has also warned that weather temperatures affect a defibrillator’s performance so all devices should be stored correctly and regularly checked over the winter.

HPRA’s medical devices vigilance manager, Anne Tobin, urged AED owners to ensure that the manufacturer has the correct contact details for them so they can be informed about necessary safety upgrades.

Meanwhile, Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice, said garda recruits should be trained to use a defibrillator and every Garda car should carry one — a move that would be a great comfort to many people, he noted.

www.hpra.ie