Urgent Recall: HeartSine Samaritan Defibrillators
HeartSine Samaritan Defibrillators May Fail When Lives Depend on Them
Defective AED devices recalled due to dangerous circuit issue – KBD Attorneys is investigating potential claims
When seconds matter most, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are supposed to save lives—not fail at the most critical moment. But in a troubling development, an entire line of AEDs has been urgently recalled after serious defects were discovered in their circuitry, putting patients at risk of not receiving life-saving treatment.
According to a Daily Mail article, the federal government has issued a widespread recall of Stryker’s HeartSine Samaritan Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) following multiple reports of dangerous malfunctions. The devices, designed for emergency use in public places, are now the subject of urgent safety alerts due to a manufacturing defect that could render them inoperable during use.
What’s the Issue with the HeartSine Samaritan Defibrillators?
More detailed information from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) highlights the core issue: a defect in the internal circuit board. Specifically, a component within the circuit may fail while the device is holding a charge—either before, during, or after attempting to deliver a shock.
“Stryker is conducting an Urgent Recall of certain serial numbers of the HeartSine Defibrillators. A manufacturing problem related to a circuit board component may impair the device’s ability to function or cause failure,” the TGA stated in its recall notice.
— Therapeutic Goods Administration, July 2025
This is not just a theoretical issue. While the failure was initially observed during quality control testing—not reported in active patient use—the risks remain severe:
No shock delivered during cardiac arrest
Delayed emergency response
Complete device failure
Potential fatality if defibrillation is unsuccessful
These AEDs are widely used in schools, gyms, office buildings, public parks, and private facilities. A failure during an emergency could have devastating consequences for victims of cardiac arrest and for the people who rely on these devices in a crisis.
Which Models Are Affected?
The recall involves multiple models of the HeartSine Samaritan PAD, including:
SAM 350P
SAM 360P
SAM 500P
The affected serial numbers begin with 21, 22, 23, or 24, followed by the letters B, D, E, G, or H. These serials are linked to catalog numbers:
350BASUK10
360BASUK10
360BASUKGW
500BASUK10
You can check whether your AED unit is affected by visiting the Stryker site or contacting them directly at heartsine.recall@stryker.com.
What Should You Do If You Have One?
Stryker has advised users to keep affected HeartSine PADs in service until a replacement is available, but to report their serial numbers immediately to begin the replacement process. This guidance puts institutions in a difficult position—keeping potentially faulty devices active due to lack of alternatives.
In the meantime, both consumers and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any device problems through the FDA’s MedWatch program in the United States.
Why This Recall Matters
AEDs are designed to be foolproof and dependable—often used by bystanders in life-or-death situations where professional help hasn’t yet arrived. When a company distributes defibrillators that could fail to deliver a shock—or become completely inoperable—it represents a massive breach of trust and a potentially fatal flaw in public safety infrastructure.
This isn’t the first time a medical device has failed due to design or manufacturing defects. But it’s particularly troubling when the product in question is designed to prevent sudden cardiac death.
How KBD Attorneys Can Help
At KBD Attorneys, we are actively holding medical device manufacturers accountable when their products fail patients. Whether the defect results in death, permanent injury, or loss of trust in critical life-saving equipment, we are committed to fighting for victims and their families.
We handle cases involving:
Defective medical devices, including pacemakers, infusion pumps, and AEDs
Product liability lawsuits against manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers
Wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims
Negligent failure to warn or delayed recall action
If you or a loved one was harmed due to a HeartSine Samaritan PAD or another defective device, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical bills
Long-term care
Pain and suffering
Lost income
Loss of consortium (in the case of a death)
Even if no injury occurred, your organization may have unknowingly purchased or relied on one of these defective devices. You have a right to expect safety, and when that expectation is violated, legal action can help prevent future harm.
What You Can Do Now
If you currently use or manage a HeartSine AED:
Check the serial number immediately to see if it’s part of the recall.
Report the unit to Stryker using their provided channels.
Contact an attorney if you or anyone in your care suffered harm from a failed device—or if you believe you were put at risk.
Contact KBD Attorneys Today
KBD Attorneys is actively investigating this recall and reviewing potential claims on behalf of affected individuals, families, and institutions. We believe that when manufacturers put lives at risk, they must be held fully accountable—no exceptions.
Our legal team has experience handling complex product liability litigation, and we work with medical experts to build strong, evidence-based cases. If you believe your case may be related to this recall or any other defective medical device, don’t wait.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
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