Mri Tragic Accident free essay sample

Michael Colombini underwent a routine imaging procedure that was performed at Westchester Medical Center; where earlier in the week Michael underwent brain surgery to remove the benign tumor that was found in his brain. The scheduled MRI was considered a routine post-operative procedure to find out how Michael was recovering after surgery. While Michael was sedated on the MRI table the anesthesiologist assisting realized that Michael has low saturated levels of oxygen. The anesthesiologist then requested a new tank of oxygen to replace the malfunctioning one attached to Michael. A nurse then brought in the oxygen tank, handing it to the anesthesiologist who asked for it. While the oxygen tank exchanged hands; the strong magnetic force of the MRI machine forcefully pulled the heavy metal tank directly into the scanning machine striking him in the head and causing Michael’s death a couple of days later. It was stated that Michael Colombini was heavily sedated when this terrible accident occurred at Westchester Medical Center. We will write a custom essay sample on Mri Tragic Accident or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The area where Michael was being examined was not thoroughly analyzed to prevent such tragic accident from happening. After all this occurred the family of Michael Colombini held services for him at the Temple Israel of Northern Westchester. There were hundreds of mourners who attended and accompanied the family in their heartbreaking loss. After the initial service, the family held a private burial service for close friends and family, where they could mourn the loss of their precious loved one. Preventing Accidents Within any tragic situation that occurs in the medical field, there are repercussions that can affect anyone involved. With this being said, there are ways to prevent these tragic accidents from occurring time and time again. In the Colombini case study there are some things that could have been handled differently. First, the hospital should have made it a policy to have recurring safety meetings at least once a month in order to maintain basic knowledge of the hazards of the magnetic force of the MRI machines. It is important for medical staff to be aware of all their surroundings when conducting these delicate imaging exams. During these potential safety meetings there should be discussions of basic dangers that surround the imaging exam rooms and how they can be prevented. In this case, the nurse that brought in the metal oxygen tank into Michael’s exam room had never had any training on MRI safety. Another thing that could have been done differently is putting up signs that acknowledge the hazards of the physically powerful magnet within the MRI machine. These awareness signs should have been posted outside the exam rooms to help medical staff understand the dangers of bringing metal objects into the exam areas. Awareness and safety protocol are an important factor in saving patients lives and keeping them safe from any harm in the MRI exam rooms. Learning Experience After studying the case of patient Michael Colombini there is a lot of insight as far as MRI safety and understanding protocols within testing areas. One of the goals that the author of the paper is pursuing in to eventually become a certified MRI technologist and this article has brought awareness on how to deal with certain situations that arise with this line of work. Understanding the importance of safety protocol is a crucial component in being a successful MRI technologist in the near future. The author of this paper has gained knowledge of how strong the force and magnetic field of an MRI machine can be; also understanding that insufficient familiarity and improper use of these large imaging machines can easily take someone’s life with one simple mistake that is overlooked. In this specific case there were doctrines and ethics that were involved that caused issues both the hospital and the victims of this tragedy. There as obvious negligence on behalf of technicians, nurses and other hospital employees that were involved; therefore there was breach of care, cause of injury due to the technician’s negligence, and injury that occurred to the unconscious patient. A life was lost in this case therefore a malpractice lawsuit was made and Westchester Medical Center did take full responsibility for the incident. Doctrine of respondent s uperior was sent into motion in Colombini’s case since the facility was held responsible for the negligent acts by their own employees. Thoughts The author of this report feels that there are many situations that can impact an individual and offer insight as to what happened. In the case of patient Michael Colombini the author cannot directly relate to the situation since they were not technically involved; but there is some level of compassion considering they do have a young child at home. Losing a loved one, especially a child can impact someone forever. There is a lot of sadness and heartbreak with the Colombini family and although a settlement was made, it will never bring their precious loved one back. References Parelli, R. J. (2009). Medicolegal Issues for Diagnostic Imaging Professionals (4th ed. ). Boca Raton, FL: Taylor amp; Francis Group. Chen, D. W. (2001). Small Town Reels from Boys M. R. I. Death. Retrieved from http://www. nytimes. com/2001/08/01/nyregion/small-town-reels-from-boy-s-mri-death. html   Patient Safety amp; Quality Healthcare. (2011). MRI Safety 10 Years Later: What can we learn from the accident that killed Michael Colombini? Retrieved from http://www. psqh. com/component/content/article/137-november-december-2011/992-mri-safety-10-years-later. html