An automatic external defibrillator is a portable device that is often found on airplanes, at stadiums, gyms and many other public locations. It is used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm if a person is having a heart attack or other cardiac event. Automatic external defibrillators, or AEDs, are designed to be used by people with little or no training, by following simple directions printed on the AED. The AED contains a diagnostic feature that is intended to prevent a shock from occurring if an attempt is made to use it on a patient who won’t benefit from defibrillation.
Welch Allyn, a manufacturer of AEDs, has had a number of units recalled over the years. The AED can malfunction and prevent the machine from shocking the patient, thus leading to delays in treatment. If you believe you or a family member has been injured or died as a result of a defective AED, please contact St. Louis medical malpractice and product liability attorney Todd N. Hendrickson.
