EBME Forums Forums Management Training X-Ray training Courses UK

And which one of those manufacturers are you loyal to, I wonder? Or are they offering training (to outsiders) at reasonable rates these days?

Cow-boy outfits? Breaching regulations? Sounds like scare-mongering (in the interests of OEM protectionism) to me, Mate (so, what else is new)?

Hi Andy,

Is there a budget for your training? Some of the regional training centres are situated in Singapore and I can try asking them if they are able to accept you. But Singapore is a long way to fly and if you are still interested, pls PM me.

Regards
Roger

Hi All,

Better late than never.

This may be worth a look although it isnt intended for engineers its all good background information.

http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3318

A healthy respect for radiation and high voltage is important as is a willingness to learn.

The major suppliers are the best source of training but its expensive.

I have run basic X-ray courses for ebme technicians in the past but the demand seems to have disappeared.

That's a nice link, Keith. Thanks for that, Mate.

Those courses that you ran ... can we assume basic x-ray maintenance techniques, and stuff like that? If you like, the "word can be spread" about the possibility of such courses being made available once again in certain overseas locations.

No problem, I try to be useful.

My courses were one day and consited of the history of X-rays followed by what to do and what not to do when doing basic testing and fault finding (morning in classroom) Followed by some practical practice in a Bucky room. The courses were run for technicians who did not look after x-ray machines except on call or emergency situation.

I am currently trying to run an extended version of this course (3 days) for technicians in Malawi but I am still awaiting a reply.

When I know whats happening I will post the outcome.

Keith, how about Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe ... and all the rest? I'm pushing various people to obtain funding for this sort of thing (together with similar basic training on anaesthesia kit etc., lab, dental and general biomed).

Meanwhile, if any of this appeals to anyone else tuning in, please don't hesitate to pipe up.

This statement is very belittling to those who work for the manufacturers of medical imaging equipment and spend many weeks (and sometimes months) of their lives on training courses within the factories and training centres, gaining experience in the field along with the backup of the technical support from the head office and factory support personnel.

Modern medical x-ray systems have come a long way in the last 25 years and need detailed knowledge to be able to safety maintain them to the high standards needed.

It may be possible to provide a one or two week course for basic first line service (replacing LBD collimator lamps, checking for trips and fuses and minor mechanical faults) but this will in no way allow the individual to safely service or install a modern system. Even what use to be describe as a basic bucky room has been transformed into a full digital image system with the introduction of flat plate detectors and automatic tube tracking systems. Playing with these without attending the relevant manufactures course and manufactures basic training would be foolhardy and irresponsible.

Most manufactures provide 3rd party training and tailor them for different targeted levels. (Full course or cut down for first line maintenance.) I suggest this is the only path to take for the safety of the patients, operators and equipment (not to mention your own!).

If you must pick out quotes, Mike, please try to avoid taking them out of context. No-one is "belittling" anyone, here.

But, just let me reinforce a couple of points. Not everybody in the world has the latest stuff. And (I should imagine) most techs are well aware of their limitations when "playing" (as you call it) with modern x-ray equipment, should they ever encounter it. And, lastly, those of us who may be thought of as "seasoned veterans" try not to get too intimidated by the latest "gee-whiz" technology of the day (whatever form it may take), but usually manage to take it in our stride just as we have always done.

Meanwhile, do the people you work for offer third-party training courses for free, then?

We live in a commercial world and no one is going to offer any training for free.
The prices charged are not cheap but represent the costs involved in providing high quality training. These charges even apply to those working for the manufactures in most cases! (Internal business units charge each other for services and products supplied.)

Even if you don't have the latest gee-whiz stuff a fair amount of experience is required before I would be happy for an individual to undertake this work. You may have many years experience, like myself, but these days many of the new recruits to the medical game do not have the same depth of background. This means they should not be encouraged to have the same "have a go" attitude as maybe historic as they lack the general experience. It is surprising how many younger engineers do not know their own limitations these days due to the culture of positive re-enforcement they receive from schools etc.

Unless they can seek experience guidance then for their safety and that of others (particularly in the current climate of litigation) they should refrain from activities that may lead them into hot water.

Yes, I agree that (from my own perspective, at least) there does seem to have been a general "dumbing down". And I take your point about the "there are no failures" mind-set that may have taken hold in Modern Britain. But I take no responsibility for any of that!

And, regarding your first sentence ... well, there's nothing new there, either.

But (in my opinion), you're wrong about the "have a go" attitude. At the level and situations to which most of my comments are addressed (that is, techs struggling on in places beyond the UK), it is exactly what is required. Else the kit will simply never get fixed!

Perhaps (once again) I need to remind that there is a whole world of biomed outside of the UK National Health Service!