While there had been many incidents in MRI suites by 2001 one case in particular shocked the entire MRI world, including James Doyle. MRI safety had so far been an ongoing evolution as each incident brought to light the discrepancies and vulnerabilities of MRI facilities. Being the Vice-President of a large medical group James Doyle was very aware of the need for vigilance regarding MRI safety. It was not only his job but his responsibility to ensure that their clinics remained incident free.
The 2001 MRI Incident
Then in 2001 Michael Colombini, a 6-year-old boy undergoing a routine MRI procedure after surgery for a benign brain tumor, was killed when an oxygen tank was sucked into the magnet of the MRI machine. The tragedy sent shutters through the MRI world. While thousands of procedures were performed without incident each year, this incident was a horrible reminder of how one mistake could be fatal.
During the procedure the doctor noticed Colombini was not receiving enough oxygen. He called to the nurses to bring in an oxygen tank. Unfortunately, the nurse brought a metal oxygen tank into the MRI suite. The powerful magnet ripped the tank from her hands and into the opening of the MRI machine. Michael Colombini was left with a crushed skull that tragically claimed his life the next day.
The Need For Better MRI Safety Signage
As so many other medical groups and hospitals around the country the medical group where James Doyle was Vice-President immediately began to review their safety protocols and training. However, no matter how many reviews they performed and safety signage they purchased the incident weighed heavy on his mind. Could an accident like this have been prevented with better safety signage available on the market? The stickers available for MRI doors didn’t seem like enough of a deterrent. Therefore, when James was asked by the legal group of Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore to testify in the New York case he was eager to be involved. The loss of the young boy had not left his thoughts and had continued to drive his strict demand for intense safety in his groups MRI clinics.
After an in-depth trial the plaintiffs were successful in reaching a settlement. After the trial as James talked with the lawyers, he couldn’t let go of the thought that while hopefully some peace would come to the family there still was no good solution to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again.
The signs commonly used for MRI safety were stickers that were placed on the door warning of the strong magnetic pull of the MRI machine. Unfortunately, the MRI doors remained open much of the time which meant the stickers were generally not seen or were seen only after someone entered the room at which point it was too late.
James thought there needed to be a warning that would be visible no matter the position of the MRI suite door. He knew it would need to be large enough to garner attention in an emergency yet not prohibitive to day-to-day operations. The signage needed to function like a pair of saloon style doors, allowing access but creating an obvious warning.
The Development of The MRI Safety Stop Sign
James went to work on designing the MRI Safety Stop Sign. Each part of the sign had to be well thought out. James wanted a sign which was made completely of plastic, including the hinges, and he knew it needed to be durable enough to withstand the high traffic of an MRI suite. He also wanted the sign manufactured in the USA.
After many proto-types and changes finally James had a model which he knew could help change MRI safety for the better. The simple design allowed people to enter and exit the room, even with a patient in a wheelchair, or on a gurney. It contained no metal and posed no threat to the safety of the patients, the technicians, doctors, or the MRI magnet itself. Most importantly it was always visible, whether the MRI suite door was open or closed, or whether someone entering the room was in a hurry or not paying attention. A 4-foot wide and 4-foot-high stop sign is universal. The stop sign design is so ingrained in every culture that we automatically think twice before proceeding.
The simple design meant it could fit almost any MRI doorway or be adapted to fit ones that were not standard. James knew the MRI Safety Stop Sign was an important safety product for the MRI industry.
Why Use The MRI Safety Stop Sign
In the 20 plus years the MRI Safety Stop Sign has been on the market it has evolved to have smoother automatic open and close custom plastic hinges, plastic hardware, and a sturdier proprietary plastic for the stop sign. Each time an MRI Safety Stop Sign is sold James and the company feel as though we are helping to ensure the safety of everyone in the MRI field and the patients. We are proud to have our signs in some of the most prestigious hospitals in the country as the need for reliable MRI safety protocol continues.
You can purchase the MRI Safety Stop Sign on our website.
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