MRI emergencies

Introduction
In this chapter, we will summarise the key points and signpost you to sources of further information.

Key points

• MRI staff must be able to avoid, recognise and respond to a wide range of MRI emergencies.
• MRI units should have local procedures in place for a clinical emergency in the MR Environment.
• A magnet quench is when an MRI scanner experiences a sudden loss of superconductivity.
• An accompanying quench pipe failure can result in large volumes of helium gas entering the magnet room.
• MRI units should have local procedures for an actual or suspected magnet quench and a quench pipe failure.
• A projectile incident involves a ferromagnetic object being pulled rapidly towards the scanner.
• A projectile incident may require an emergency magnet quench or a controlled ramp down of the scanner.
• MRI units may wish to develop local procedures for a projectile incident.
• Any projectile incidents should be reported to the MR Responsible Person and to the MHRA.
• MRI units may wish to develop procedures for other emergency situations such as fires, floods, power cuts or magnet room door failure.
• During any emergency, it is essential to maintain controlled access to the MR Environment.

Further information

Further reading
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