Urgent recall hits life-saving devices amid safety concerns—check if yours is affected
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When it comes to life-saving devices, we all want to trust that they’ll work when we need them most.
But what happens when the very equipment designed to protect us could actually put us in danger?
That’s the alarming situation facing thousands of Australians right now, as a major recall has been issued for a popular brand.
The federal government has issued an urgent recall for Stryker’s HeartSine Samaritan Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) after a manufacturing defect was discovered in the device’s circuit board.
This isn’t just a minor glitch—this fault could cause the defibrillator to fail at the critical moment it’s needed, potentially putting lives at risk.
The issue was uncovered during routine quality testing (thankfully, not during an actual emergency), but the risk is serious enough that authorities are urging anyone who may have one of these devices to check immediately.
The recall affects a subset of HeartSine Samaritan PAD Models 350P, 360P, 450P, and 500P. If you or your community group, club, or workplace has one of these, it’s time to take a closer look.
Look for a serial number starting with 21, 22, 23, or 24, followed by B, D, E, G, or H to check if your defibrillator is affected.
If your device matches this description, it could be at risk of failing to deliver a life-saving shock when needed.
Defibrillators are a critical part of first aid, especially in public spaces, sporting clubs, and community centres.
When someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, every second counts. A working defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death.
The idea that a device could fail at the crucial moment is understandably distressing.
The defect could cause the device to become inoperable at any point when it’s holding a charge—whether it’s preparing to deliver therapy, actually delivering a shock, or even after a shock has been given.
Once the failure occurs, the device can’t be used again.
If you discover your defibrillator is part of the affected batch, don’t panic—but do act quickly. Stryker, the manufacturer, has set up a dedicated recall hotline and email for affected customers:
This recall is a timely reminder for all of us—especially those involved in community groups, sports clubs, or volunteer organisations—to regularly check and maintain all safety equipment.
It’s easy to assume that once a device is installed, it’ll work forever, but regular checks and keeping up with recall notices are essential.
If you’re not sure how to check your defibrillator or other first aid equipment, reach out to the manufacturer or your local health authority for advice.
Stay safe, stay informed, and keep looking out for each other, SDC members!
Have you checked your device? Have you ever had to use a defibrillator in an emergency? We’d love to hear your stories and tips for keeping your community safe—share your experiences in the comments below.
Read more: Therapeutic Goods Administration recalls popular home staple over fire concerns
But what happens when the very equipment designed to protect us could actually put us in danger?
That’s the alarming situation facing thousands of Australians right now, as a major recall has been issued for a popular brand.
The federal government has issued an urgent recall for Stryker’s HeartSine Samaritan Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) after a manufacturing defect was discovered in the device’s circuit board.
This isn’t just a minor glitch—this fault could cause the defibrillator to fail at the critical moment it’s needed, potentially putting lives at risk.
An urgent recall has been issued for some public defibrillators due to a circuit board defect that may cause device failure. Credit: Stryker
The issue was uncovered during routine quality testing (thankfully, not during an actual emergency), but the risk is serious enough that authorities are urging anyone who may have one of these devices to check immediately.
The recall affects a subset of HeartSine Samaritan PAD Models 350P, 360P, 450P, and 500P. If you or your community group, club, or workplace has one of these, it’s time to take a closer look.
Look for a serial number starting with 21, 22, 23, or 24, followed by B, D, E, G, or H to check if your defibrillator is affected.
If your device matches this description, it could be at risk of failing to deliver a life-saving shock when needed.
Defibrillators are a critical part of first aid, especially in public spaces, sporting clubs, and community centres.
When someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, every second counts. A working defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death.
The idea that a device could fail at the crucial moment is understandably distressing.
The defect could cause the device to become inoperable at any point when it’s holding a charge—whether it’s preparing to deliver therapy, actually delivering a shock, or even after a shock has been given.
If you discover your defibrillator is part of the affected batch, don’t panic—but do act quickly. Stryker, the manufacturer, has set up a dedicated recall hotline and email for affected customers:
- Phone: 02 9170 9131
- Email: [email protected]
This recall is a timely reminder for all of us—especially those involved in community groups, sports clubs, or volunteer organisations—to regularly check and maintain all safety equipment.
It’s easy to assume that once a device is installed, it’ll work forever, but regular checks and keeping up with recall notices are essential.
Stay safe, stay informed, and keep looking out for each other, SDC members!
Read more: Therapeutic Goods Administration recalls popular home staple over fire concerns
