Personal Help Button Subject of Safety Alert

Philips Lifeline is warning customers of a potential choking hazard associated with its pendant personal help button that has resulted in at least four deaths, according to an FDA statement. The agency is aware of at least six reports between 1998 and 2009 of serious injury or death resulting from the button’s cord becoming entangled on other objects worn around the neck. The company is sending letters to its 750,000 customers and has changed the device’s label to include a warning against the potential choking hazard.