On the evening of November 12th, about 30 local EMS, fire personnel, and community members gathered at the Gem County EMS building for an informative and engaging presentation on MRI safety, led by Chris Peck, Valor Health’s recently appointed Radiation Safety Officer. The session, aimed at educating first responders about the unique challenges of responding to emergency situations in the hospital’s newly installed MRI unit, was a resounding success, leaving attendees both informed and eager to apply their newfound knowledge in real-world situations.
The event, which was held at Gem County EMS, was attended by a mix of EMTs, community members, and other first responders. Also in attendance were Gem County Fire and EMS Chief Mike Welch, Fire Marshal Mike Geary, Deputy Chief of EMS Len McCaulou, and Deputy Chief of Fire, Chad Dutcher, who were keen to learn about the safety protocols involved when handling emergency situations involving the hospital’s state-of-the-art MRI machine.
As a small Critical Access Hospital (CAH), Valor Health is committed to fostering strong relationships with local emergency response teams to ensure a coordinated, effective response in times of crisis. The brand-new state-of-the-art MRI unit, which was recently added to the hospital’s fleet of diagnostic tools, offers advanced imaging capabilities that will be invaluable for patient care—but it also presents unique challenges for those responding to emergencies within the MRI suite.
“The safety and wellbeing of this community, including Gem County First Responders, is our top priority,” said Chris Peck, who ran the presentation. “The MRI machine creates a powerful magnetic field that poses unique hazards, and it’s crucial that everyone, from EMS to fire teams, understands how to safely navigate these situations when they arise, so that they do not become an additional patient themselves.”
The presentation covered key topics such as:
- MRI Safety Protocols: Understanding the magnetic field and its potential risks, including how to safely handle emergency equipment and personnel around the MRI suite.
- Code Blue and Code Red Procedures: Special considerations for responding to medical emergencies (cardiac arrest or fire) within the MRI environment, where metal objects and traditional life-saving equipment can be extremely hazardous.
- Communication Between Teams: How EMS, fire, and hospital staff can coordinate to ensure rapid, efficient, and safe responses during emergency situations.
The interactive nature of the presentation, combined with real-life examples and open discussions, left the audience captivated and appreciative of the opportunity to bridge the gap between emergency responders and hospital personnel.
“Learning about the MRI safety procedures was incredibly eye-opening,” said one local EMT who attended the session. “It’s not something we typically think about in the field since the severe magnetic environment is so unique and rare, but now we’re all more aware of how to respond safely if we ever have to deal with an emergency in the MRI unit at Valor.”
With the new MRI machine now fully operational at Valor Health, the presentation marks just the beginning of a larger effort to engage local emergency responders and prepare them for any eventuality. The hospital’s leadership is committed to ongoing collaboration and training with local fire, EMS, and other first responders, ensuring that the community remains safe, well-informed, and well-prepared.
The success of this presentation exemplifies the importance of community collaboration in healthcare and emergency response. With over 30 local responders in attendance, the event further solidified the partnership between Valor Health and the local fire and EMS teams, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in ensuring optimal patient care and safety during emergencies.
As Valor Health continues to expand its services and capabilities, it remains dedicated to connecting with and supporting the community in every way possible, starting with a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of all.