risk of leg-post fracture. [PDF - Health Facilities Scotland

SAFETY ACTION NOTICEBy arrangement with the Scottish Executive Health DepartmentFERNO FALCON Mk2, Mk3 AND HAWK MODEL AMBULANCESTRETCHER TROLLEYS: RISK OF LEG-POST FRACTURESAN(SC)02/2906 SEP 2002Medical DevicesPage 1 of 2 PagesSUMMARYThe leg-post castings may fracture on Ferno Falcon Mk2, Mk3 and Hawk model ambulance stretchertrolleys causing them to become unstable. All such trolleys should be modified using themanufacturer’s upgrade kit.BACKGROUND1. Reports have been received of fractured leg-post castings on Ferno Falcon Mk2, Mk3 and Hawkmodel ambulance stretcher trolleys. The Falcon Mk1 model is unaffected.2. There are approximately 800 stretcher trolleys implicated in the UK which is the only countryaffected. The majority of trolleys are used by the Ambulance Service, although some are used inhospitals.3. Ferno (UK) Ltd has agreed to supply all users of the affected models with upgraded leg-postcastings free-of-charge. These can be fitted by users’ own Ferno ServiceCare accreditedtechnicians. The castings will be supplied with full instructions and a worksheet which should bereturned to Ferno to ensure traceability.4. If it is not possible for users to complete the work in-house, Ferno’s FieldCare Technicians will beavailable to fit the upgraded castings. Ferno have already notified the problem directly to users byletter.5. The programme to replace the leg-post castings will take three-to-four months as they are beingproduced in batches. In the meantime, the trolleys can continue to be used but extra vigilance andcare in handling is recommended. Hitting obstructions with excessive force, such as kerbs andvehicles’ trolley locking systems, should be avoided.6. Service schedules should remain unaffected by this upgrade programme.ACTION7. This notice should be brought to the attention of all appropriate managers and staff.8. Users should complete and return the form enclosed with Ferno’s notification letter.Suggested Distribution Ambulance Services Estates/Facilities NursingPortering Services Risk Management Safety Officers SuppliesSCOTTISH HEALTHCARE SUPPLIESGyle Square Edinburgh EH12 9EBA Division of the National Service Scotland for NHSScotlandThis notice was obtained from the INCIDENT REPORTING & INVESTIGATION CENTRE (public) websitehttp://www.nhsscotland.com/shs/hazards_safety/adverse_p.htmlFAX: 0131 314 0722 E-MAIL: iric@shs.csa.scot.nhs.ukN:\WORD\HAZ\PUBLIC LIBRARY SAN\2002 SAN\PSAN0229.doc

SAFETY ACTION NOTICEBy arrangement with the Scottish Executive Health DepartmentFERNO FALCON Mk2, Mk3 AND HAWK MODEL AMBULANCESTRETCHER TROLLEYS: RISK OF LEG-POST FRACTURESAN(SC)02/2906 SEP 2002Medical DevicesPage 2 of 2 Pages9. On receipt of the returned form Ferno will make arrangements for the upgraded replacement legpostcastings to be supplied and, if necessary, fitted.10. Ferno Falcon Mk2, Mk3 and Hawk model trolleys may continue to be used while they awaitmodification, although it is recommended that additional care and vigilance for fractures isexercised.11. Users who have not received a letter notifying the problem should contact Ferno directly using thedetails below.ENQUIRIESEnquiries to the manufacturer should be addressed to:FieldCare DivisionFerno (UK) LtdFerno HouseStubs Beck LaneCleckheatonWest YorkshireBD19 4TZTel: 01274 854511Fax: 01274 855511SCOTTISH HEALTHCARE SUPPLIESGyle Square Edinburgh EH12 9EBA Division of the National Service Scotland for NHSScotlandThis notice was obtained from the INCIDENT REPORTING & INVESTIGATION CENTRE (public) websitehttp://www.nhsscotland.com/shs/hazards_safety/adverse_p.htmlFAX: 0131 314 0722 E-MAIL: iric@shs.csa.scot.nhs.ukN:\WORD\HAZ\PUBLIC LIBRARY SAN\2002 SAN\PSAN0229.doc