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Hospital Response to Radiological Events – Part I. Objectives. Identify types of radiological incidents Describe hazards and risks to hospital personnel from radiological events. Radiological and Nuclear Devices. Simple radiological device Radiological dispersal device Reactor
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Objectives • Identify types of radiological incidents • Describe hazards and risks to hospital personnel from radiological events
Radiological and Nuclear Devices • Simple radiological device • Radiological dispersal device • Reactor • Improvised nuclear device • Nuclear weapon
Impacts of Radiological Events What is your risk of exposure or contamination while doing your duties? • Simple exposure - for any reason • Contaminated patient - for any reason • Radiation dispersal (“Dirty bomb”) event • Nuclear detonation
Simple Exposure • Patient(s) likely to be ambulatory and worried • Not likely to present any radiation injury • Extreme case: Acute Radiation Syndrome • No transferable contamination • No radiation from patient or belongings • Extreme case: Materials with high neutron exposure might be radioactive • No risk to care providers
Contaminated Patient • May have transferable contamination • Patient, their clothes, and personal effects • Transport vehicle • ED and other facilities • Internal contamination is risk to patient • Some radiation from patient and/or belongings • Extreme case: High radiation source on/in patient • Risk is relatively low to care providers
The “Dirty Bomb” Event • Mass casualty incident • Many patients, varying types of injuries • Likely to include trauma • Self-referral and unusual transport means • Some will have transferable contamination • Risk is still low to moderate, but prolonged • Higher risk of secondary contamination
The “Nuke” Event • Not a likely scenario • Impact and response will be nationwide • Possible damages to your facility/personnel • May require evacuation of hospital • Your staff traumatized • Radiation risk is secondary • Other aspects of treatment take priority
Mass Casualty Incident Disaster Planning Lessons Learned • Hospitals provide most of the initial care • High risk of secondary contamination • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required • Disaster planning must address intentional CBRNE attack • Maximize use of existing resources
Key Points • Risk is low to EMS and hospital staff • But watch for secondary contamination • Prepare for radiological events using all hazards approach