Rhode Island health officials are alerting residents and care facilities to a Medline bed recall involving electrical overheating and entrapment risks.
The Department of Health posted its alert Oct. 20. Medline's Oct. 14 notice says the withdrawal covers all Medline-branded beds, including home care, bariatric and long-term care models, as well as associated controls, accessories, replacement parts and bed packages.
Medline directs users to unplug affected beds from the wall and disconnect the battery, and to stop using their electrical functions. Its notice allows the beds to remain in manual mode with a mattress until a replacement arrives; electrical adjustments are reserved for emergencies, such as choking or CPR. If power is reconnected for an emergency, Medline says not to use extension cords and to ensure the hand controls and power cords are routed and secured.
The company also says not to use bed accessories, including side rails. The notice describes risks of overheating and fire as well as entrapment involving accessories or the handheld bed control.
Users should contact the provider or distributor that supplied the bed about replacement or reimbursement eligibility. People who received a Medline-brand bed within the past five years should contact that provider or distributor to determine whether they are eligible for reimbursement or credit. People who bought directly from Medline can call its recall customer service line at 800-950-0128, option 7. The Rhode Island health alert separately lists Medline Education at 1-855-294-9618 for consumer questions.
The company's notice includes the affected item list and further handling instructions. It says purchasers who have not received a safety-instruction label by Nov. 30 should contact Medline.
Sources: Rhode Island Health Department alert; Medline's recall instructions and product list.