Man Critically Injured by MRI Machine in Long Island Incident
A man was critically injured at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, Long Island, when a metal chain around his neck was pulled into an MRI machine, prompting an investigation.
Man dies after large chain necklace pulls him into MRI machine
Associated Press
Overview
- A man sustained critical injuries at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, Long Island, when a large metal chain he was wearing was forcefully pulled into an MRI machine.
- The powerful magnetic force of the MRI machine caused the severe injury, immediately requiring the man's transport to a local hospital for urgent medical attention.
- This incident highlights the significant dangers posed by MRI machines when metal objects are present, as similar accidents have resulted in critical injuries and fatalities previously.
- The scene was described as resembling a horror film due to the accident's nature, and the incident is currently under investigation by authorities.
- The event at the Long Island MRI center underscores the critical importance of strict safety protocols to prevent such life-threatening accidents in medical imaging facilities.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the victim's actions, such as "defying orders" and entering an "unauthorized" room while wearing a metal chain. They highlight the extreme dangers of MRI machines and the importance of safety protocols through expert commentary, subtly shifting the narrative towards individual responsibility and the inherent risks of the technology when rules are not followed.
"A man who was pulled into an MRI machine in New York after he walked into the room wearing a large chain necklace has died, according to police and his wife."
ABC News"The man, 61, had entered an MRI room while a scan was underway Wednesday afternoon at Nassau Open MRI."
Associated Press"A man who was violently sucked into an MRI machine by a metal chain around his neck has died, police in New York said."
USA TODAY"A man who was sucked into an MRI machine died from the severe injuries he suffered, police on New York's Long Island said."
CBS News"The man was wearing a large metal chain and entered a room without authorization as the MRI machine, which uses a strong magnetic field, was running at a medical office in Westbury on Wednesday afternoon."
NBC News"The horrific incident took place at a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) medical facility on Long Island, Kenneth Palmieri, a spokesperson with the Nassau County Police Department, confirmed to USA TODAY."
USA TODAY"The man was wearing a large metallic chain around his neck causing him to be drawn into the machine which resulted in a medical episode."
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FAQ
MRI machines generate extremely powerful magnetic fields that can attract ferromagnetic metal objects with great force, turning them into projectiles that can cause serious injury or even death. Metal objects in or on the body can also heat up, potentially causing burns. This is why patients are required to remove all metal belongings before an MRI scan.
MRI facilities enforce strict screening procedures to ensure patients and staff do not bring any metallic objects into the scan room. Patients are required to remove all jewelry, clothing with metal components, and other personal items before entering. Comprehensive screening forms and sometimes additional imaging (like X-rays) are used to check for internal metal objects in patients with a relevant history.
Yes, there have been documented cases of serious injuries and fatalities resulting from metal objects being pulled into MRI machines. These incidents underscore the life-threatening risks posed by neglecting MRI safety protocols[1].
Individuals with metal implants or a history of metallic foreign bodies (such as bullets or shrapnel) must inform MRI staff and undergo thorough screening, which may include imaging (e.g., X-ray) to confirm the absence or safety of metal fragments. This is critical to avoid internal injury from movement or heating of the metal object during the MRI[2].
While exact statistics are not provided in the sources, such accidents are rare but almost always preventable with strict adherence to safety protocols. Most incidents result from lapses in screening or noncompliance with removal of metal objects before entering the MRI suite.
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