Management of medical and psychosocial consequences of a radiological or nuclear terrorist event

Medical, psychological, and social consequences of a terrorist event involving the release of ionizing radiation will differ significantly from attacks with 'classical' explosives. Victims of a detonation of a 'dirty bomb' or a nuclear device can actually or allegedly absorb various doses of radiation and should be viewed as radiologically contaminated patients. Hence, both first responders and medical personnel should behave and act accordingly. General rules, guidelines, and procedures are described that should be implemented at all levels of medical management from the on-site emergency care until admittance to and treatment of the victims at a specialist hospital ward. The causes, manifestations and management of psychosocial sequelae of radiological terrorist incidents are also discussed. (author)