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Radiological Terrorism: A Tool Kit for Emergency Services Clinicians
Since 2001, CDC has played an increasing role in terrorism response and planning efforts with regard to radiological or nuclear events. We have identified, 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.
- Video Webcast: Medical Response to Nuclear & Radiological Terrorism
Feb 10, 2004. Instructs clinicians on how to distinguish between radiation exposure & contamination; recognize the signs & symptoms of acute radiation syndrome & cutaneous radiation syndrome; & decontaminate a patient.
- Video: Just in Time Training for Hospital Clinicians
Brief video covering key radiation principles & radiological procedures
- Radiological Terrorism: Emergency Management Pocket Guide for Clinicians
Printable version of CDC’s quick reference radiological response pocket guide for clinicians.
- Training: "Radiological Terrorism: Medical Response to Mass Casualties"
Interactive self-study training intended to provide clinician education on local medical response to mass casualties during the immediate aftermath of a radiological or nuclear terrorism incident.
- Fact Sheet: Acute Radiation Syndrome
What physicians need to know about the presentation, diagnosis, & treatment of patients with acute radiation syndrome.
- Fact Sheet: Prenatal Radiation Exposure
What physicians need to know about diagnosing, treating, & advising pregnant women who have been exposed to radiation.
- Fact Sheet: Cutaneous Radiation Injury
What physicians need to know about the presentation, diagnosis, & treatment of patients with cutaneous radiation injury.
- Video Webcast: The Role of Public Health in a Nuclear or Radiological Terrorist Incident
Provides public health personnel with information on radiation principles, possible scenarios involving the release of radioactive materials, radiation protective measures, & evacuation & sheltering guidelines. (NOTE: Videotapes & CD-ROMs of the broadcast can be ordered by e-mailing rsb@cdc.gov.)
- REAC/TS Poster: Radiation Patient Treatment