WESTBURY, N.Y. (AP) — A serious incident occurred at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York, when a 61-year-old man was unexpectedly pulled into an MRI machine. The event unfolded on Wednesday afternoon, as the individual entered the MRI room while a scan was actively underway. According to the Nassau County Police Department, the strong magnetic force of the MRI machine attracted the man due to the large metallic chain necklace he was wearing.

The magnetic properties of MRI machines are well-documented, as they operate utilizing a powerful magnetic field capable of exerting substantial forces on ferrous materials and certain types of metals. According to information from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, the magnetic field generated by MRI machines is potent enough to propel even large objects, such as wheelchairs, across a room.

This unfortunate interaction between the man and the MRI machine resulted in what authorities described as a "medical episode," culminating in him being hospitalized in critical condition. As of Friday, police had not released the man's name and did not provide any updates regarding his health situation.

A representative from Nassau Open MRI on Long Island declined to comment on the incident when contacted. MRI safety protocols generally emphasize the importance of ensuring that individuals do not enter the MRI room with metallic objects, illustrating a clear need for strict adherence to safety guidelines to prevent potentially tragic outcomes.

The event highlights the inherent dangers associated with MRI machines, which require a controlled environment to operate safely. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for proper patient screening and education regarding the risks of metallic objects in MRI settings.