Risk of Strangulation of Infants by IV Tubing and Monitor Leads July 30, 2002 Health Canada Health Products and Food Branch Dear Health Care Provider, Health Canada is concerned about reports of suffocation and death in young children caused by entanglement in IV tubing when children are treated in hospital. Young children are at risk of strangulation from any type of cord, whether these are consumer products such as blind cords, or medical devices such as electronic leads or IV tubing. Leaving a child unattended in any environment where entanglement with a cord, tube, or lead is possible may have disastrous consequences. Health Canada recommends the following: All hospitalized children who could possibly become entangled in a lead or tubing should be continuously observed by an adult or placed on a monitor. Consider treating hospitalized children with oral therapy, or a heparin-locked needle if possible. Coil excess tubing when the child is unattended to prevent the infant/child from becoming entangled. Inform hospital staff, parents, and other care-givers that young children are at risk of entanglement and strangulation by IV tubing, electronic leads, or cords of any sort. Health Canada asks that you share these recommendations with your staff or membership and encourage their implementation in the interest of patient safety. If you have any concerns, problems or complaints pertaining to medical devices, you may report them to Health Canada at the address below, or through a toll-free Hot Line at 1-800-267-9675. Health Products & Food Branch Inspectorate Health Canada Tower "A", Holland Cross 11 Holland Ave. Address Locator: 3002C Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9 R.G. Rotter, Ph.D. Director, Medical Devices Bureau Tel.: (613) 957-4786 back to News Releases About the Institute / Partnership Opportunities / Planned Giving / Projects & Activities / Resources & Publications / News Releases / CICH Communiqués / Links / Special Events / Coming Soon / Environmental Health / What's New / Site Map / French / Home If you have any comments about our website, please contact our webmaster. Last Reviewed: January 30, 2003 Copyright 2003