The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is urging owners of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to check that the recommended safety and maintenance updates on their device have been done.
The AEDs are in use at sporting venues, schools, hotels, restaurants, offices, shopping centres around the country.
An estimated 614 AEDs require urgent updates to ensure they will work correctly in an emergency situation.
Without these updates, the AED may not work as intended.
The devices may require a software upgrade - similar to upgrading software on your phone or computer - or the replacement of a component part within the AED.
As part of the ongoing maintenance of an AED it important to consider if or when it will need to be replaced as AEDs like most pieces of equipment will have an expected lifespan, the HPRA said.
At the time of purchase, the manufacturer should be able to provide this information along with details of the warranty period which will help ensure that the AED is kept up to date.
Safety related updates to AEDs are normally offered by manufacturers independent of whether the AED is still under warranty, according to the HPRA.
Medical Devices Vigilance Manager of the HPRA Anne Tobin said: "Particularly during winter months, these devices may be affected by dropping temperatures and environmental conditions so it is particularly important this time of year to ensure devices are stored and maintained well.
It is important to know the age and expected lifespan of your AED device and consider if or when the AED may need to be replaced, she said.
The updated list of six AED models that have corrective actions still outstanding are:
AED Name Manufacturer
Life-Point Metsis Medikal Teknik Sistemler Elektronik Otomoti
Samaritan PAD 300/300P Physio Control, formerly HeartSine
Telefunken HR1 Telefunken
Philips HeartStart FRx,
Heartstart HS1 (Onsite),
Heartstart HS1 (Home) Philips
Information may be found by looking at the dedicated AED webpage on the HPRA's website.
According to the HPRA, it is estimated that 70% of all cardiac arrests happen outside of a healthcare environment, where the correct operation of an AED may be a life-saving intervention.
