Radiological / Nuclear

CDC has developed "Radiological Terrorism: A Tool Kit for Emergency Services" through audience research, significant gaps in knowledge and skills among clinicians regarding their ability to respond to a radiological emergency, particularly one related to terrorism and involving mass casualties. This is a critical need since clinicians in hospital emergency departments would serve as the first receivers of casualties, and other clinicians would present to the emergency department in order to assist. There are numerous issues related to disaster and mass casualty management that are unique to dealing with radiation exposure and contamination, and CDC understands the need to provide education and information to help clinicians better manage such an event.

The tool kit includes several items that may be useful for emergency services clinicians.

• "Radiological Terrorism: A Tool Kit for Emergency Services Clinicians" 

The federal Department of Health and Human Services has developed a new online diagnosis and treatment toolkit designed for health care providers, primarily physicians, who may have to provide medical care during a radiation incident.

The information includes easy-to-follow procedures for diagnosis and management of radiation contamination and exposure; guidance for using medical countermeasures; and a variety of other features to facilitate medical responses.

• Visit the Radiation Event Medical Management website

Radioactive iodine seeks out the thyroid gland. Potassium iodide, if taken in time and at the right dosage, fills the thyroid with harmless iodine so there is no room for radioactive iodine in the thyroid. This could reduce the risk of thyroid cancers and other diseases that might otherwise be caused by exposure to radioactive iodine that could be dispersed in a severe nuclear accident.

• Download additional information on Potassium Iodide