Firefighters Learn How To Be Safe Around MRI Machines

Firefighters have ongoing courses on how to stay safe when battling a blaze or assisting with other emergency situations.

They might not spend a great deal of their time dealing with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, but members of the Sebring Fire Department took part of their Tuesday to learn more about precautions when around the device.

"There have been firefighters before that have gone into and evacuated an MRI center and then got stuck to the magnet with their gear on," said Sharon Hussey, an MRI technician at Seascape Imaging Outpatient Center who oversaw the discussion. "So, we thought it was pretty important that they realize the limitations (and) where they should not go."

Firefighters have metal buckles across their uniforms, according to SCFD Lt. Charles Byrne. They also carry metallic gear, such as axes and pry bars that could become hazardous to themselves or the person they are there to assist.

Hussey showed slides where wheelchairs, gurneys and welding tools were stuck to the machines. Another picture showed an oxygen tank that had been drawn into an MRI machine by its magnetic field.

In July 2001, 6-year-old Michael Colombini of Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., died after getting hit in the head by an oxygen tank during an MRI scan, which raised safety concerns about the procedure, according to a New York Times article.

Hussey said if the magnetic field is creating a dangerous situation, it can be removed by quenching the magnet, or releasing all the liquid hydrogen.

"Once that hydrogen is gone, the magnetic field goes away," she said.

The downside is the procedure could cost tens of thousands of dollars and potentially destroy the magnet.

Hussey talked with the firefighters inside the center's MRI trailer and showed them where the two emergency shut-off buttons were located, as well as where the generator was at.

She also warned that if any of them had pace makers or had gotten metal in their eyes from welding, they must take extra precautions before going near an MRI machine.

Byrne said Tuesday's hands-on training was a continuation of a safety video they had watched about the machine.

He could not recall ever being called out to an MRI emergency, but said if they were, it would probably be to assist EMS crews dealing with a medical condition.

On Tuesday, Byrne was interested in learning all he could from Hussey about the technical aspects of the equipment and the trailer.

"I was just looking for the fire end of it," Byrne said. "I wanted to know where to shut off the diesel and shut off the generator and power."