Training & Exercises
In cooperation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Florida conducted an emergency response exercise which simulated the use of a radiological dispersal device (also known as a “dirty” bomb) on a population. A community reception center was established in an Orange County to conduct population monitoring and decontamination activities on 200 accident “victims” (played by 100 local volunteers who made multiple trips through the center).
Case Studies
Medical Response to a Major Radiologic Emergency: A Primer for Medical and Public Health Practitioners article is available in the journal Radiology which describes the medical responses needed following a radiologic or nuclear incident, including the symptoms of and specific treatments for acute radiation syndrome and other early health effects.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has developed a variety of diagnostic and treatment tools designed for health care providers, primarily physicians, who may have to provide medical care during a radiation incident. The tools are available interactively online and as downloadable apps for devices. All tools include easy-to-follow procedures for diagnosis and management of radiation contamination and exposure, guidance for the use of radiation medical countermeasures, and a variety of other features to facilitate medical responses.
Resources
Radiation Emergency
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would play a key role in protecting the public health during and after an emergency involving radiation or radioactive materials. To help people be prepared for a radiation emergency, CDC has collected a wealth of information for first responders, health care providers, and the public.
Facts about Diethylenetriamine pentaacetate DTPA
Diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) can remove certain radioactive materials from the human body, but it must be taken under the guidance of the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) of the Oak Ridge Institute.
Facts about Neupogen® (Filgrastim)
Neupogen® is a drug that was approved for use by the FDA in 1991 for cancer patients with bone marrow damage due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In 2015, Neupogen® was also approved by the FDA to treat those people who have received high doses of radiation.
Facts about Prussian Blue
Prussian blue can be used, under the guidance of a doctor, to treat people who have been internally contaminated with radioactive cesium (mainly Cs-137) and nonradioactive thallium (once an ingredient in rat poisons).
FAQs about a Nuclear Blast
CDC has developed this fact sheet to describe what happens when a nuclear blast occurs, the possible health effects, and what you can do to protect yourself in this type of emergency.
Guidelines for Hospital Response to Casualties from Radiological Incidents
This document provides practical strategies for hospitals in preparing for and responding to a radiological terrorism event involving mass casualties.
Emergency Preparedness & Response Page
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response assists emergency personnel in rapidly identifying, evaluating, and reacting to a wide spectrum of radiation emergencies, including those arising from terrorism or natural events such as hurricanes.
Potassium Iodide (KI) Fact Sheet
This fact sheet from the Florida Department of Health explains how KI tablets are used to protect the thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive iodine from a nuclear accident. The sheet also contains links to additional information about KI from other organizations.
Facts and Terminology
This CDC fact sheet explains some of the terminology used to discuss radiation measurement.