Alert: Philips Lifeline recalls the non-breakaway neck cord version of Lifeline Personal Help Button pendants

OTTAWA, Feb. 20, 2015 /CNW/ - 

Affected product(s):

Non-breakaway neck cord versions of the Lifeline Personal Help Button pendants. 

Product description:

This recall involves the non-breakaway neck cord versions of the Lifeline AutoAlert Personal Help Button, Classic Personal Help Button and the Slimline Personal Help Button.

Philips Lifeline personal help buttons with breakaway cords are not affected by this recall.

Hazard identified:

Cords that do not have the breakaway design may pose a strangulation risk if the cord becomes caught or entangled on a wheelchair, walker or other protruding objects.

Philips Lifeline and Health Canada has received two reports of deaths that were possibly related to the affected products in Canada since 2009.

Number sold:

Over 100,000 units of the affected products were distributed in Canada prior to 2011.

Since 2011, Philips Lifeline has taken steps to recall the affected products and replace them with the new breakaway version of the neck-cord.  However, some of the affected products may remain in the market.

Time period sold:

The affected products were distributed prior to June 2011. 

Place of origin:

Manufactured in the United States of America.

Companies:

Distributor
Philips Lifeline Canada
Markham, Ontario
Canada

What you should do:

Consumers who do not already have a breakaway neck cord should immediately contact Philips Lifeline Canada to order a replacement neck cord with a breakaway feature or an alert button worn on the wrist.

For more information, consumers can contact Philips Lifeline Canada toll-free at 1-800-387-1215 (24 hours/7 days per week) or via the Philips Lifeline website.

Please note that the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away in Canada.

Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product or any other consumer product or cosmetic by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form
(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/advisories-avis/incident/index-eng.php).

Également disponible en français

SOURCE Health Canada

PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2015/02/20/20150220_C7687_PDF_EN_12398.pdf

Media Enquiries: Health Canada, [phone]; Public Enquiries: [phone], 1-866 225-0709