A MAJOR warning has been issued to people using an essential health device as the product has been issued a recall.
A certain amount of the Zoll Powerheart G5 AED defibrillators have a flaw which means the device may not work when needed.
A defibrillator is a health device used in a heart related emergency such as cardiac arrest.
Homeowners, businesses, schools, and sports clubs often have one on hand in case of an emergency.
However, as they provide essential resuscitation, it is absolutely necessary that they work properly.
As such, the potentially faulty device has been recalled in case it does not provide the help needed when used.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority issued the recall yesterday.
The affected item is the Zoll Powerheart G5 AED with the error code EC 501.
It is important to note that not all products of this kind are affected, it is only the ones with the error code.
The error code should show up on its own after undergoing self-tests.
Bosses said that if the code shows up, the device will not able to deliver lifesaving therapy.
They advised that if the error code shows up, you should stop using the device.
They added that the device should then be replaced and kept at its recommended humidity level.
The HPRA said: “The HPRA is issuing this Safety Notice to raise awareness of an issue affecting the Powerheart G5 AED, whereby the device may not deliver therapy when needed.
“After performing normally scheduled self-tests, Powerheart G5 AEDs may display Error Code (EC) 501 and be unable to deliver lifesaving therapy while in this state.
“The issue can be detected during routine inspection.”
But health bosses said that the rate of acknowledgement from users in Ireland was very low, meaning not everyone is aware of the issue.
They said they have issued the safety notice to make people aware of the issue and ensure they take the correct steps to fix it.
The HPRA took to social media to share the update.
Posting on X, they said: “If you own a Zoll Powerheart G5 defibrillator, be aware of a possible issue.
“If your AED shows Error Code EC 501 during a self-test, this means it will not work in an emergency.
“Check your device regularly. If you see this error during a self-test, follow the recommended actions.”
The product has been recalled due to a risk[/caption]
