Accession Number:

ADA278873

Title:

Potential Hazards of Magnetic Resonance Imagers to Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Operations

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

SYSTEMS CONTROL TECHNOLOGY INC ARLINGTON VA

Personal Author(s):

• Newman, Robert B.

Report Date:

1993-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

57.0

Abstract:

In recent years there have been several incidents with helicopters where magnetic resonance imagers MRIs have interfered with the operation of magnetic sensors such as compasses and directional gyroscopes. The magnetic fields generated by the MRI magnet causes magnetic sensors to give aberrant readings. This report documents the characteristics of MRIs and how they operate. It discusses relevant federal regulations of MRI and all magnetic effects and hazards involved with operating helicopters in a strong static magnetic field for both personnel and equipment. Finally, the report makes recommendations for safe helicopter operations in and around MRIs.

Descriptors:

• *EMERGENCIES
• *MAGNETIC RESONANCE
• *MEDICAL SERVICES
• *HELICOPTERS
• ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
• RESONANCE
• OPERATION
• STATICS
• GYROSCOPES
• DIRECTIONAL
• REGULATIONS
• COMPASSES
• PERSONNEL
• DOCUMENTS
• MAGNETIC FIELDS
• HAZARDS
• MAGNETIC PROPERTIES

Subject Categories:

• Aircraft
• Medicine and Medical Research
• Nuclear Physics and Elementary Particle Physics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE