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Safety

Safety is the First Priority

In the event of an emergency, follow these protocols immediately.

Emergency Procedures & Equipment

When to Quench the Magnet

This is a permanent and expensive action.

A "Quench" manually collapses the magnetic field by releasing liquid helium.

  • ONLY quench if: A person is pinned/trapped by a metallic object and is in life-threatening danger.

  • DO NOT quench for: Fires, medical emergencies (heart attack/seizure), or small equipment damange. In these cases, move the participant out of the room first.

🧯MRI-Safe Fire Extinguisher

  • Location: Zone II (Hallway/Changing area)

  • Identification: Look for the non-magnetic (aluminum/composite) canister specifically labeled "MR SAFE." Warning: Never bring a standard red fire extinguisher into Zone IV (the magnet room)

❤️ Automated External Defibrilator (AED)

  • Location: Zone III (Control Room)

  • CRITICAL SAFETY: The AED is NOT MRI SAFE.

  • Protocol: You must move the participant out of the magnet room (Zone IV) and into the Control Room (Zone III) or hallway before applying AED pads or delivering a shock.

️🏃 Emergency Participant Removal

If a participant has a medical emergency inside the scanner:

  • Locate the Manual Release Button on the side of the MRI table/bed.

  • Press and hold the release to disengage the motor.

  • Physically pull the tabletop out of the bore.

  • Immediately wheel the patient of of Zone IV to the designated medical response area.

Safety Zones

Zone II

  • 1232 - Consultation 2/Phlebotomy
  • 1234 - Ramp
  • 1235A – Toilet/Changing Room
  • 1235B – Private Gowning
  • 1235C – Waiting Lobby
  • 1235D - Janitorial Room
  • 1235J - Electrical Room

Zone III

  • 1235E - Equipment Room
  • 1235G – Control Room
  • 1235H - Vestibule

Zone IV

  • 1235F – Scan Room

Pacemaker line (5 gauss)