Emergency Department Management of Radiation Casualties

•This training program was prepared by the Radiological Emergency Medical Preparedness & Management Subcommittee of the Homeland Security Committee of the Health Physics Society.*

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•Every emergency department should have a medical radiation emergency plan that will allow effective and efficient handling of potentially contaminated radiation accident victims. When such a plan exists and is tested through periodic drills, it minimizes the potential for apprehension and panic should activation of the plan ever be needed.

•Talking points are provided with each slide to assist the presenter in answering questions. It is not expected that all the information in the talking points must be presented during the training.

ă Health Physics Society Version 2.5

Disclaimer: The information contained herein was current as of October 5, 2004, and is intended for educational purposes only. The authors and the Health Physics Society (HPS) do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of the information presented herein. The authors and the HPS are not liable for any legal claims or damages that arise from acts or omissions that occur based on its use.

*The Health Physics Society is a non profit scientific professional organization whose mission is to promote the practice of radiation safety. Since its formation in 1956, the Society has grown to approximately 6,000 scientists, physicians, engineers, lawyers, and other professionals representing academia, industry, government, national laboratories, the department of defense, and other organizations. Society activities include encouraging research in radiation science, developing standards, and disseminating radiation safety information. Society members are involved in understanding, evaluating, and controlling the potential risks from radiation relative to the benefits. Official position statements are prepared and adopted in accordance with standard policies and procedures of the Society. The Society may be contacted at: 1313 Dolley Madison Blvd., Suite 402, McLean, VA 22101; phone: 703-790-1745; FAX: 703-790-2672; email: HPS@BurkInc.com.