Medical preparedness and response. Educational material. Training for radiation emergency preparedness and response

Radiation is widely used in medicine, industry, agriculture and research. It provides invaluable benefits. However, radiation sources can be lost, stolen, or otherwise not under proper control, and this can lead to injuries to people who come into contact with them. Even so, radiation accidents are rare. Between 1944 and 2001, altogether 420 accidents were registered worldwide: approximately 3000 persons were injured, with 133 fatalities (including the 28 victims of the Chernobyl accident). Often the victims of radiation emergencies are unaware that they may have been exposed to radiation. Even if health consequences of exposure are first seen by medical doctors, a proper diagnosis may not be immediately forthcoming. Lack of knowledge about the clinical effects of radiation exposure is one of the main reasons why many accidental injuries are not recognized sufficiently early to prevent further exposures and to provide for the most effective treatment. Therefore, a wider understanding of the health consequences of radiation exposure among health authorities and medical personnel, needs to be developed. The IAEA-WHO educational programme on Medical Preparedness and Response to Radiation Emergencies was developed to provide medical personnel with knowledge of health consequences of radiation exposure. The programme consists of 24 modules including 30 lectures, a demonstration, a drill and five video films. By the end of the course the participants will be able to train: emergency medical personnel to recognize and respond to radiation overexposure including establishing and maintaining contact with appropriate response authorities; emergency medical teams to provide pre-hospital care for overexposed, injured or contaminated persons; hospital staff to provide treatment for overexposed, injured or contaminated victims