Medical equipment hazards--practical experience in a large region

An investigation has been carried out into the cause of accidents involving patient interfaced medical equipment, in a large region over a period of 3 years. In a high proportion of accidents the cause is faulty design, or poor construction of equipment. However, a considerable number can also be attributed to lack of user appreciation of the hazards involved. A few accidents have been caused by inexperienced personnel attempting to service equipment about which they have little knowledge.