LAWSUITS NEWS & LEGAL INFORMATION
Safety Alert Issued for Lifeline Pendant Personal Help Buttons
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is cautioning users of personal emergency response buttons worn around the neck of a potential choking hazard associated with this product.
The FDA is aware of at least 6 reports between 1998 and 2009 of serious injury or death, including 3 deaths in the United States and 1 in Canada, from choking after the cord on the Philips Lifeline Personal Help Button became entangled on other objects worn around the neck.
There are more than 750,000 users of these devices in the United States and Canada. By pushing the "help" button on the device when in distress, users can call for emergency assistance to their home. According to Philips Lifeline, the device is used primarily by seniors living independently, who feel they are at risk for falls or other medical emergencies.
The Lifeline pendant button is intentionally designed to not break away when tugged, which prevents the button from accidentally falling off. However, because it does not break away, there is a risk of choking, including the possibility of serious injury or death. Risks are greater for those with mobility limitations or for those who use wheelchairs, walkers, beds with guard rails, or other objects that could entangle with a neck cord.
Philips Lifeline is currently sending letters to its 750,000 customers and has changed the labeling of this product to include a warning against the potential choking hazard.
SEPT-22-09: Philips Lifeline Issues Safety Alert for Lifeline Pendant Personal Help Buttons [FDA: SAFETY ALERT ISSUED FOR LIFELINE PENDANT HELP BUTTONS]
Published on Sep-22-09
The FDA is aware of at least 6 reports between 1998 and 2009 of serious injury or death, including 3 deaths in the United States and 1 in Canada, from choking after the cord on the Philips Lifeline Personal Help Button became entangled on other objects worn around the neck.
There are more than 750,000 users of these devices in the United States and Canada. By pushing the "help" button on the device when in distress, users can call for emergency assistance to their home. According to Philips Lifeline, the device is used primarily by seniors living independently, who feel they are at risk for falls or other medical emergencies.
The Lifeline pendant button is intentionally designed to not break away when tugged, which prevents the button from accidentally falling off. However, because it does not break away, there is a risk of choking, including the possibility of serious injury or death. Risks are greater for those with mobility limitations or for those who use wheelchairs, walkers, beds with guard rails, or other objects that could entangle with a neck cord.
Philips Lifeline is currently sending letters to its 750,000 customers and has changed the labeling of this product to include a warning against the potential choking hazard.
SEPT-22-09: Philips Lifeline Issues Safety Alert for Lifeline Pendant Personal Help Buttons [FDA: SAFETY ALERT ISSUED FOR LIFELINE PENDANT HELP BUTTONS]
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If you or a loved one has suffered an adverse event as a result of using this product, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.Published on Sep-22-09
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READER COMMENTS
Michael Pritchard
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Robert Hatch
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Fell the fall detection did not detect heavy fall to floor. Also pendant button did not
Work. She laid on floor for approximately 15 hours before i found her.
My cell. 919-750-xxxx