In which scenario is EMI notably a concern in healthcare?

In healthcare settings, electromagnetic interference (EMI) is particularly concerning when electronic devices interfere with each other. This is because many medical devices, such as monitors, defibrillators, and imaging equipment, operate using sensitive electronic components that can be affected by external electromagnetic signals.

When multiple electronic devices are in close proximity, the risk of EMI increases, potentially leading to malfunctioning of equipment, which can compromise patient safety and the effectiveness of medical treatments. For example, if an electrocardiogram (ECG) is being performed near a diagnostic imaging machine, the signals from one device can distort or disrupt the signals being received by the other, leading to misinterpretation of patient data.

In contrast, non-electrical devices do not produce electromagnetic fields, and maintaining electrical insulation is primarily concerned with preventing electrical hazards rather than EMI. Manual interventions generally involve direct physical actions and do not typically involve electronic devices, thereby reducing the risk of EMI. Thus, the nature of electronic devices and their operation makes interference a notable concern in healthcare environments.