A proposal has been put forward by a coroner urging for clear warnings to be placed on armchair lap belts used by the elderly following the tragic death of a 72-year-old woman suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Susan Lakin, who had mobility issues, was provided with the armchair belt by her family in an attempt to prevent her from falling out of bed or her chair. Tragically, the belt looped around her neck when she slipped down in her armchair and she lost her life as a result. The coroner, Isobel Thistlethwaite, has issued a report to prevent future deaths, calling on the government to mandate appropriate safety warnings on lap belts, which are labeled as “high risk” equipment by the NHS.
The armchair lap belts typically consist of single padded straps that secure around the lower torso of the individual while they are seated upright, aiming to keep them in place. The particular belt purchased for Mrs. Lakin claimed to offer “sufficient trunk stability” and reduce the likelihood of “injuries, tilting, or slipping.” Despite using it for over 15 months without incident, Mrs. Lakin tragically lost her life in her Leicestershire home on 19 February 2024 due to the belt becoming entangled around her neck, according to the coroner’s findings. The report highlighted how Mrs. Lakin was incapable of self-rescuing herself by adjusting her position, leaving her ensnared and essentially hanging from the lap belt until a family member discovered her.
Mrs. Lakin’s death was attributed to “respiratory compromise by support belt” and “postural impairment,” accompanied by her existing Parkinson’s disease and a rare neurological disorder called corticobasal syndrome. While her family’s intentions in purchasing the lap belt were well-meaning in an effort to safeguard her, the absence of warning labels or instructions for supervision from a healthcare professional in the product’s advertisement raised concerns. The impact of the lap belt was categorized as “high risk” by the local NHS trust, indicating the potential dangers associated with its use. The coroner’s report was forwarded to various governmental bodies, including the Department for Health and Social Care, the Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, the Care Quality Commission, and Amazon UK, with a request for responses within 56 days.
In light of the tragic incident involving Mrs. Lakin, a call for increased safety measures on armchair lap belts for elderly individuals has been issued by a coroner. The circumstances leading to Mrs. Lakin’s passing underscore the importance of providing clear warnings on such equipment to prevent similar tragic incidents in the future. The coroner’s report highlights the need for regulatory bodies and online retailers to take responsibility for ensuring that high-risk equipment, like lap belts, are accompanied by appropriate safety information to protect vulnerable individuals. The government and relevant agencies have been given a deadline to respond to these recommendations and address the gaps in safety regulations surrounding the use of armchair lap belts by the elderly
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