(Source – Amazon. in)
Medline Industries, a prominent medical supply company, is recalling approximately 1.5 million portable adult bed rails in the United States and Canada. This decision comes after federal safety regulators reported two deaths linked to the product, which poses significant safety risks.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a statement on Thursday highlighting the dangers associated with the Medline Bed Assist Bar. Users can become entrapped within the bed rail or between the product and the side of a mattress, leading to severe injury or death. “This poses a serious entrapment hazard and risk of death by asphyxiation,” the agency warned. The CPSC urged consumers to immediately stop using the recalled bed rails and to contact Medline for a refund.
The recall was prompted by two reported deaths involving the Bed Assist Bars. In July 2019, a 76-year-old woman at a senior nursing facility in Iowa died due to entrapment. Similarly, in November 2023, an 87-year-old woman at a residential care facility in South Carolina also suffered a fatal entrapment. Additionally, Medline received one report of an injury in the United States. However, no incidents or injuries have been reported in Canada, according to Health Canada.
Recall Details and Consumer Guidance
The recalled bed rails were manufactured in China and include two specific models identified by the numbers MDS6800BA and MDS6800BAH. These models can be identified by a label on the support frame near the vertical portion of the bed rail. Medline sold about 1.5 million units in the United States between July 2009 and March 2024, with prices ranging from $32 to $64. These bed rails were available through Medline’s websites and major online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and CVS. In Canada, approximately 5,522 units were sold.
Medline Industries, headquartered in Northfield, Illinois, announced the recall on its website. The company emphasized its collaboration with the CPSC and its commitment to consumer safety. “Medline has worked closely with the CPSC throughout this process, and Medline fully supports the agency’s commitment to consumer safety,” a company spokeswoman stated on Thursday. “It is important for all our impacted customers to participate in this product recall.”
Serious Entrapment Hazard
Consumers who own the recalled bed rails are advised to stop using them immediately and to contact Medline for a full refund. The company’s proactive approach in addressing this issue reflects its dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of its customers.
This significant recall by Medline Industries underscores the critical importance of product safety in the medical supply industry. The tragic incidents that led to this recall highlight the potential dangers associated with improperly designed or malfunctioning medical equipment. By working closely with federal safety regulators, Medline aims to prevent further harm and ensure that its products meet the highest safety standards. Consumers are urged to check their bed rails and take the necessary steps to participate in the recall, ensuring their safety and that of their loved ones.
