Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-s2hrs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-18T01:22:46.301Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

An Internet-based Exercise as a Component of an Overall Training Program Addressing Medical Aspects of Radiation Emergency Management

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Kirsten Levy*
Affiliation:
Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
Richard V. Aghababian
Affiliation:
University of Mass. Medical School, Department of Emergency Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts
Erwin F. Hirsch
Affiliation:
Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
Domenic Screnci
Affiliation:
Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
Anna Boshyan
Affiliation:
Emergency Scientific Medical Center, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
Robert C. Ricks
Affiliation:
REAC/TS, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Massoud Samiei
Affiliation:
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
*
*Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA Email: klevyig@bu.edu

Abstract

The use of ionizing radiation and radioactive materials continues to increase worldwide in industry, medicine, agriculture, research, electrical power generation, and nuclear weaponry. The risk of terrorism using weapons of mass destruction or simple radiological devices also has increased, leading to heightened concerns. Radiation accidents occur as a consequence of errors in transportation ofradionuclides, use of radiation in medical diagnosis and therapy, industrial monitoring and sterilization procedures, and rarely, nuclear power generation. Compared to other industries, a small number of serious radiation accidents have occurred over the last six decades with recent cases in the Republic of Georgia, Peru, Japan, and Thailand. The medical, psychological, and political consequences of such accidents can be considerable. A number of programs designed to train medical responders in the techniques of radiation accident management have been developed and delivered in many countries. The low frequency of serious radiation accidents requires constant re-training, as skills are lost and medical staff turnover occurs. Not all of the training involves drills or exercises in which responders demonstrate learning or communication over the broad spectrum of medical response capabilities. Medical preparedness within the context of a total emergency response program is lacking in many parts of the world, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States. This paper describes an effort to enhance medical preparedness in the context of a total program of international cooperation and conventions facilitated by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The paper concludes that novel application of telecommunications technology as part of a training activity in radiation accident preparedness can help address gaps in training in this field in which preparedness is essential but experience and practical field exercises are lacking.

Type
Original Research
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2000

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Bonucci, P, Vuletich, M, Smith, G, et al: Emergency medicine resident preparedness for the threat of weapons of mass destruction: Results of a national residency program director survey. Ann Emerge Med 2000;35:S38. Abstract.Google Scholar
2.Trutt, J, Oster, NS: Hazardous materials events at a New York City trauma center. Ann Emerg Med 2000;35:S40. Abstract.Google Scholar
3.Colombo, JB, Peterson, W, Thackeray, J, et al: Disaster medical education in medical school curricula. Ann Emerg Med 2000;35:S45. Abstract.Google Scholar
4. 10 CFR 50. Appendix E to Part 50 — Emergency Planning and Preparedness for Production and Utilization Facilities.Google Scholar
5.International Atomic Energy Agency: Generic Assessment Procedures for Determining Protective Actions During a Reactor Accident. IAEA-TEC-DOC-955. Vienna, IAEA, August 1997.Google Scholar
6.International Atomic Energy Agency: Method for Development of Emergency Response Preparedness for Nuclear or Radiological Accidents. IAEA-TECDOC-953. Vienna, IAEA, July 1997.Google Scholar
7.International Atomic Energy Agency: Assessment and Treatment of External and Internal Radionuclide Contamination. IAEA-TECDOC-869. Vienna, IAEA, 1996.Google Scholar
8.Levy, K, Hirsch, EF, Aghababian, RV, Segali, A, Vanderschmidt, H: Radiation accident preparedness: Report of a training program involving the United States, Eastern Europe, and the Newly Independent States. Amer J Publ Health 1999;89(7):11151116Google ScholarPubMed
9.International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): RasaNet information on radiation and waste safety. Promotion of Education and Training. 7 pages. On-line posting. Available on www.iaea.org/ns/rasanet/training/. 01 February, 2000.Google Scholar
10. “Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency” and “Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident” (both entered into force 27 October, 1986).Google Scholar
11.Screnci, D, Hirsch, EF, Levy, KL, et al: Medical outreach to Armenia by telemedicine linkage. J Med Sys 1996;20(2):6776.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
12.International Atomic Energy Agency and World Health Organization: Diagnosis and Treatment of Radiation Injuries. Safety Reports Series #2. Vienna, IAEA, 1998, pp 3740.Google Scholar