Cardiac Science Issuing Software Fix for AEDs
Cardiac Science announced on Oct. 13 it has initiated a worldwide voluntary corrective action involving the software of certain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) manufactured between August 2006 and March 2007.
Some AEDs manufactured in this time frame may have a component whose performance doesn't match the factory software settings. Under a particular set of conditions, the software places the AED into a "Service Required" mode. To remedy this, Cardiac Science is providing a user-installable software update to affected customers and distributors.
"This voluntary field action is an opportunity for Cardiac Science to demonstrate that we stand behind every one of our products," said John Hinson, chief executive officer.
Cardiac Science has begun notifying distributors and customers with affected devices and is shipping software updates to each. The instructions and additional information regarding the affected units are also available at http://www.cardiacscience.com/AEDUpdate. Customers also can call 1.877.502.2673 or e-mail aedqs99@cardiacsience.com.
Until the updates arrive, customers should keep their AEDs in service. This issue is typically identified in daily self-test, however, there is a remote possibility of occurrence while attempting to provide defibrillation. The company has received two complaints related to this issue during use.