Bed rails for adults target12/9/2023 ![]() How to File A Report to the CPSC or FDA Concerning a Bed Rail Product These agencies must work together to resolve any jurisdictional issues so vulnerable older adults will be protected. Resolve jurisdictional issues. The FDA and the CPSC disagree about which agency has authority over the different types of bed rails. The FDA and CPSC must exercise their product recall authority in order to remove from the market dangerous bed rails that have shown risks of entrapment, asphyxiation or other failures. These bed rails continue to cause harm or death, yet no action is taken. Bed rails that have injured or killed older adults remain on the market. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have received hundreds of reports of injuries and deaths related to bed rails, yet there are no mandatory standards for adult bed rails. What Can be Done to Protect the Elderly from Dangerous Bed Rails? The FDA maintains a database of adverse event reports it receives (called the MAUDE reports).These reports include multiple incidents of death and injury associated with bed rail products, including multiple reports of deaths and injuries associated with the same product over a period of time and multiple reports of deaths and injuries from bed rail products produced by the same manufacturer. In addition to the number of deaths reported to the CPSC, by 2012 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had received approximately 550 reports of alleged bed rail deaths. The report reveals that over a nine-year period, there were roughly 36,900 visits to hospital emergency wards resulting from bed rail-related injuries. In October 2012, the CPSC released a memorandum on reports of adult bed rail-related deaths, injuries and potential injuries the agency received, which can be read here. Reports of Bed Rail Injuries and Deaths: From January 2003 through September 2012, 155 deaths involving bed rails were reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). ![]() Injuries such as cuts, abrasions and bruises can also result when an older adult becomes entrapped. This can lead to a fall, hitting their heads, and a serious injury. Severe injury: When individuals who are confused or have dementia want to get out of bed and bed rails block their way, they frequently try to climb over the rails. Older adults can also get trapped between the rails and suffocate. The mattress may press against the person’s chest, preventing the individual from breathing. The individual can roll into that gap and be too weak, frail or confused to change position. Strangulation or asphyxiation: Older adults can get trapped in the gap between the bed rail and the mattress. In reality, bed rails can be extremely harmful. Why are Bed Rails Dangerous?īed rails are frequently used in homes or long-term care facilities because they are believed to keep people safe. ![]() There are also portable bed rails that can be purchased by consumers directly and attached to a bed. Some bed rails are attached to the bed as part of a “bed system.” Bed rails that are part of a bed system are found on hospital beds, in most nursing homes and in medical supply companies that rent hospital beds for use at home. Others may use a bed rail thinking it will prevent an older adult from falling out of bed or keep an individual with dementia from getting out of bed and wandering. Some people use bed rails to help pull themselves up, turn in bed, or to get out of bed. The rails may extend the length of the bed or less, such as a quarter or half length. Specialized Information for: Long-Term Care Consumers Family Members Advocates Protecting Long-Term Care Consumers from the Dangers of Bed Rails What are Bed Rails?īed rails are metal or plastic bars positioned along the side of a bed, also commonly known as side rails. Long-Term Care Consumers Family Members Advocates ![]() National Consumer Voice National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center Menu Shop Our Store Shop
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