Cardiac Science (Bothell, Washington) said that it has initiated a worldwide voluntary field corrective action of certain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) manufactured between August 2006 and March 2007. Some AEDs manufactured in this time frame may have a component whose performance doesn't match the factory software settings. Under a particular set of conditions, the software places the AED into a "Service Required" mode.

To remedy this and complete the corrective action, Cardiac Science is providing a user-installable software update to affected customers and distributors.

"This voluntary field action is an opportunity for Cardiac Science to demonstrate that we stand behind every one of our products," said John Hinson, CEO.

Until the updates arrive, customers should keep their AEDs in service. This issue is typically identified in a daily self-test, however, there is a remote possibility of occurrence while attempting to provide defibrillation.