Recall : Some Cardiac Science Corporation’s automated external defibrillators (AEDs)

This is a strange one. Mostly because of the veeeery carefully selected wording in the recall release.

Cardiac Science Corporation announced today that is “is initiating a voluntary field correction after it was determined certain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) may experience a rare product issue in which the AED may not be able to deliver therapy during a resuscitation attempt.”

Lots of adjectives back yonder. The release continues…

“Device failure may affect resuscitation of the patient, which could lead to serious adverse events or death. These AEDs have electronic components which may fail and the failure may not be detected by the device’s periodic self-tests. The affected models include the Powerheart 9300A, 9300C, 9300D, 9300E, 9300P, 9390A, 9390E, and CardioVive 92531, 92532, and 92533 devices.”

Most of the remainder of the recall is pretty straightforward. That is until you get to the last paragraph. Put your waders on for this next part. It’s deep.

“This press release contains forward-looking statements. The word “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” variations of such words, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that the statement is not forward-looking. Forward looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, predictions of AED component failure rates, the availability of software updates to improve detection of the component issue, and the effectiveness of the planned software update. These are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results and performance may vary significantly from those expressed or implied in such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such varying results and other risks are more fully described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Cardiac Science Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2008, as updated by subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Cardiac Science Corporation undertakes no duty or obligation to update the information provided herein.”

Looks like the legal team got to slime this one before it got out the door. Sad.

Anyhow, here’s the link to the official recall NOT FORWARD LOOKING but MAYBE IT IS FORWARD LOOKING notice.