ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— Riverside Health System and OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital will both receive Safety FiRsT® grants to implement initiatives that will elevate technologist safety in the workplace. Launched in 2015, the Safety FiRsT® program awards two ASRT members per year a grant of up to $7,000 each to improve radiologic technologist safety in their departments.

This year's recipients are:

Ruth Van Davelaar, M.H.S.A., R.T.(R)(T), who applied on behalf of Riverside Health System in Newport News, Virginia. The grant will be used to purchase a vertical power lift that allows technologists to move patients with ease from floor-level surfaces to higher levels such as a chair or treatment table. The new lift will provide safety for the radiation therapist, reducing potential back strain and subsequent injuries, as well as the patient. This device, paired with ASRT's educational product Safety Essentials: The Series, which also is being awarded, will enable staff to move and care for patients safely.
Annette Long, R.T.(R)(MR) MRSO, who applied on behalf of OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The grant will be used to purchase a ferromagnetic detection system for MR safety. The device will allow for real-time screening of potentially hazardous implants, devices and supplies and prevent injury from ferrous materials that could otherwise enter the screening room. Unlike wand detectors that rely on the diligence of the user, this device will provide consistent and reliable screening while remaining less intrusive than other screening methods. Annette also will receive ASRT's educational product Safety Essentials: The Series.

As director of the Radiation Oncology/Radiosurgery Department for Riverside Health System, Ruth said being chosen for the grant opens the door to education and awareness for other team members throughout the hospital system, peers and the community.

"By celebrating this award publically, more opportunities will arise to talk about safety in our profession, and to take specific and deliberate action. This [grant] enables us to highlight and promote safety for our team while providing safe and comfortable transfers for our patients. "

Annette, team leader – MRI for OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, said she strives to make Zone 4 in the MRI suite as safe as she possibly can.

"This award will be used multiple times daily on patient and staff to ensure clearance into Zone 4. It will prevent unknown ferromagnetic objects to enter the room therefore making that environment safe for the patient and staff."

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