FIRE – RED CODE PROTOCOL

If an uncontrolled fire occurs in the MRI scan room and cannot be extinguished, what is the priority?. Press the Quench button immediately. Remove the patient from the scan room. Wait for the automatic sprinkler system to activate. Call 9-1-1 before checking the scanning room.

When should the Emergency Magnet Rundown (Quench) procedure be manually performed during a fire?. Every time a Code Red is called in the building. Only if the Fire Department requests a fire in the waiting room. If the fire is in the scan room and the sprinkler system is not functional or auto activated. When the MRI technologist finishes their shift.

What is the physical result of pressing the Emergency Magnet Rundown button?. All electrical power to the hospital is cut. The magnetic field is rapidly reduced (usually within about 2 minutes) accompanied by a cryogen boil-off. The room is flooded with fire-suppressant foam. The MRI scanner enters a "sleep mode" to save electricity.

When calling Code Red for an MRI fire, what specific information must be announced to the operator?. The name of the patient is currently in the scanner. The type of fire extinguisher is being used. "Code Red MRI" and the specific Room Number. The magnetic field strength (e.g., 1.5T or 3T).

What is a critical step once the Fire Department arrives at the scene?. Hand them a standard metal fire extinguisher to use inside the room. Notify the crew that the magnetic field has been shut down (after a quench). Ask them to wait in the hallway until the scan is finished. Perform a second quench to be sure the field is gone.