Health Canada is reminding Canadians of a recall of home bed assist handles after learning about them one additional death.
Four models of bed rails sold by Drive Medical were first recalled two years ago after two deaths were reported – one in Canada and one in the United States
Health Canada said it received a report of a second death in that country on Dec. 19.
The metal handles are placed along the mattress and make it easier to get in and out of the regular bed at home. The products are not designed for hospital beds.
According to Health Canada, more than 68,000 of the affected handles were sold in Canada between 2016 and 2021.
It says consumers should stop use and contact Drive Medical Canada for a refund.
The recalled model numbers for the Home Bed Assistant are 15064, 15062, RTL15073 and RTL15063-ADJ.
No information was given as to the cause of death, but the recall notice states that the tethers were not properly secured in the initial cases in Canada and the United States
The danger, as outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the US, is that when the bed rails are attached to an adult bed, a person can become “trapped” in the rail or between the rail and the side of the mattress. “This poses a serious entrapment and suffocation hazard,” the statement said CPSC.
Drive Medical has also learned of an additional three deaths in the United States that occurred before December 6, 2021, when the recall was first issued.
Between 2007 and 2021, more than 496,000 of the bed aid products were distributed in the United States. The products were sold on Amazon.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 28, 2023.
The Canadian Press Health Insurance is supported through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
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