In a serious development highlighting safety risks for vulnerable populations, Medical King has recalled approximately 222,000 adult portable bed rails following a death and reports of entrapment hazards. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued the recall on November 14, 2024, urging immediate action to prevent further injuries or fatalities. This marks the ninth recall related to adult bed rails in the last nine years, emphasizing ongoing concerns about their safety.
Details of the recall
The recall involves three models of Medical King bed rails: 7007, 7057, and 7037. These rails were sold online through platforms like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and others from January 2020 to March 2024. The products, intended to assist individuals with mobility challenges in getting in and out of bed, pose a significant risk of entrapment between the rail and mattress, leading to asphyxiation. One death, involving a 66-year-old man at a South Carolina care facility in November 2023, has been directly linked to these bed rails.
The CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using the recalled products and contact Medical King for a free repair kit or replacement.
A history of risks
Over the past three years, similar products from various manufacturers have been recalled after 17 reported deaths and numerous injuries. Since 2015, the total number of reported fatalities linked to bed rails has reached 18. In a striking revelation, the CPSC noted that 92% of these deaths resulted from entrapment, primarily involving the head or neck.
Notable recalls include those by Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare and Medline, whose products were implicated in multiple fatalities. In January 2023, the CPSC introduced mandatory safety standards for portable adult bed rails, aiming to curb these risks. However, older and non-compliant models remain in circulation, posing ongoing dangers.
Expert perspectives on bed rail safety
CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric emphasized the importance of vigilance among caregivers:
“Those taking care of the elderly or individuals with mobility limitations shouldn’t have to worry that a critical piece of support equipment could lead to serious injuries or death. During National Care at Home Month, we urge caregivers to ensure proper installation and use of bed rails and confirm they haven’t been recalled.”
Safety tips for caregivers
The CPSC has outlined essential precautions to prevent accidents with adult bed rails:
- Making sure that the bed rail is not recalled and that it complies with the mandatory safety standard
- Preventing gaps between the bed rail and mattress
- Bed rail should be pressed firmly against the side of the mattress
- Retention device (ex: strap) is properly installed and secured
- Bed rail should be pressed firmly against the side of the mattress
- Retention device (ex: strap) is properly installed and secured Preventing hazardous gaps between bed rail and surroundings
- Ensuring at least a 12.5″ gap between the bed rail and headboard/footboardKeeping furniture (nightstands, dressers, etc.) away from the bed rail
- Do not install multiple bed rails next to each other
- Ensuring at least a 12.5″ gap between the bed rail and headboard/footboard
- Keeping furniture (nightstands, dressers, etc.) away from the bed rail
- Do not install multiple bed rails next to each other
- Following all provided warnings and instructions for assembly, installation and use
- Do not climb or allow climbing over the bed rail
- Do not modify the bed rail
- Making sure the bed rail is compatible with the bed/mattress
- Do not climb or allow climbing over the bed rail
- Do not modify the bed rail
- Making sure the bed rail is compatible with the bed/mattress
- Ensuring bed rails are appropriate for the situation
- Those with cognitive impairments should be carefully monitored
These guidelines, along with detailed instructions available on the CPSC website, aim to prevent further tragedies.
How to respond if you own recalled rails
Consumers who own the recalled Medical King products can contact the company at 888-715-2630 for remedies, including repair kits or replacements. Reporting any incidents to the CPSC via their SaferProducts.gov platform is also encouraged to aid in monitoring and prevention efforts.
