How should you respond to a radiology department emergency such as a power outage or patient collapse?

• A. Panic and evacuate without protocol.
• B. Ignore the event if it seems minor.
• C. Follow established emergency protocols, ensure patient safety, notify radiologist or supervisor, and document actions.
• D. Wait for instructions from the patient.

Answer: (C)

In radiology emergencies, the priority is to act according to established emergency protocols and protect both patients and staff. When something like a power outage or a patient collapse happens, you should initiate the department’s emergency plan, ensure the patient is safe and, if needed, move to a secure area. Immediately notify the radiologist or supervisor so they can coordinate with the on‑call team and activate backup systems or paging. Document every action, including times, who was informed, and the patient’s status, to maintain a clear record for ongoing care and accountability. This structured response reduces risk, ensures proper escalation, and keeps the situation under control.

Panic and evacuate without protocol creates confusion and safety hazards, ignoring the event can let the situation worsen, and waiting for instructions from the patient isn’t reliable when the patient may be unable to communicate.