Have you ever thought about the unique challenges that firefighters face when responding to an emergency in an MRI unit? Picture this – you have to act quickly in an environment with a strong magnetic field while carrying equipment that contains metal elements. It’s not an easy task!!
At JMP Medical, we took the initiative to organize a training course for firefighters of the District Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Ostrów Wielkopolski, to address safety concerns in MRI units. During the course, they learned about potential risks associated with projectiles and burns from metal objects in the MRI scan room, as well as equipment malfunction or interference with the MRI system.
We were pleased to have participants from outside the industry, providing unique perspectives on the matter. It was an enlightening experience to discuss the safety of MRI units from various viewpoints.
One crucial question that came up during the training was whether the standard fire safety rule of cutting off the power source would work in an MRI unit. Unfortunately, it WILL NOT work. Even if the power source is cut off, an electrical charge trapped in the MRI system can still generate magnetic field, which can be dangerous for firefighters and other personnel.
Are firefighters in your area receiving systematic training on the hazards of MRI units? We would love to hear your thoughts!