Medline Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLN) has identified electrical safety risks with its Medline Basic Homecare Beds that may lead to fire.
Situations such as excessive weight, obstructed movement, or motor issues may cause overheating in the pendant cords, which in some cases has led to fires.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday classified a corrective action involving home care beds from Medline as its most serious recall category, warning that continued use without updated instructions could result in serious injury or death.
The action does not involve removing the beds from use or sale. Instead, Medline notified customers of revised operating instructions after identifying electrical safety risks tied to its Basic Homecare Beds.
According to the FDA, incidents have been reported involving hand control pendants overheating, melting, sparking, catching fire, or delivering electrical shocks.
These events create significant safety hazards, including the potential for severe injury or fatal outcomes.
Customers have been advised to keep affected beds unplugged unless powered adjustments are necessary. Medline also urged users to follow strict usage and safety guidelines to mitigate risks.
The company outlined several precautions, including avoiding operation beyond the specified weight limit, ensuring bed components are not jammed, keeping movement paths clear, and storing the control pendant properly when not in use.
Users are instructed to unplug the bed and seek service if motors stall, wiring is damaged, controls malfunction, or any signs of overheating, smoke, or sparking appear.
As of Dec. 18, Medline reported 12 injuries and one death tied to these electrical risks.
Separately, the company identified patient entrapment risks associated with using non-Medline accessories. Improper accessories or pendant handling may trigger unintended bed adjustments, potentially trapping users between bed components and leading to asphyxiation or serious harm.
Two injuries and one death have been linked to such accessory-related incidents.
AC-powered adjustable hospital beds are designed for medical use, allowing patients to control bed height and positioning through electric motors and remote controls. These systems often include side rails that can be repositioned as needed.
MDLN Price Action: Medline shares are up 0.77% at $44.94 at the time of publication on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Photo by T. Schneider via Shutterstock
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