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Review
. 2024 Jun 3;16(6):e61627.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.61627. eCollection 2024 Jun.

An Overview of Appropriate Medical Practice and Preparedness in Radiation Emergency Response

Akram Al-Ibraheem  1 , Serin Moghrabi  2 , Ahmed Abdlkadir  2 , Heba Safi  3 , Ziad Kazzi  4 , Batool Al-Balooshi  5 , Khaled Salman  6 , Aysar Khalaf  7 , Majdi Zein  8 , Huda Al Naemi  9 , Hanan Aldousari  10 , Layth Mula-Hussain  11   12 , Malik Juweid  13 , Jun Hatazawa  14 , Feras Hawwari  15 , Asem Mansour  16
Affiliations
Review

An Overview of Appropriate Medical Practice and Preparedness in Radiation Emergency Response

Akram Al-Ibraheem et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Radiation emergencies involving high doses of nuclear radiation pose significant risks from exposure to ionizing radiation in various scenarios. These situations include transportation accidents involving radioactive materials, occupational exposure, nuclear detonations, dirty bombs, and nuclear power plant accidents. In addition to the immediate risks of acute radiation syndrome (ARS) and related diseases, long-term exposure can increase the risk of other health issues such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children, face particular concern due to potential impacts on their health and the health of unborn babies. The severity of ARS depends on several factors such as radiation dose, quality, dose rate, exposure uniformity, and individual biological responses. Bioindicators are biological responses or markers that help assess the severity and effects of radiation exposure on an individual. Bioindicators can include physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or laboratory tests such as changes in blood cell counts and gene expression that can help in assessing and treating exposed individuals. Additionally, early prodromal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and erythema can provide important clues for diagnosis and treatment. Developing a comprehensive plan for radiation emergencies is vital for safeguarding public health, infrastructure, and the environment. First responders play a critical role in establishing safety perimeters, triage, and coordination with various stakeholders. Education and training are essential for medical personnel and the public. This article provides general recommendations and identifies challenges to effective radiation emergency preparedness and response.

Keywords: contamination; preparedness; public health; radiation emergency; radiation medicine; radiation practices.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. The Penetration Range of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Radiation
This figure is the original work of the authors.
Figure 2
Figure 2. In-hospital Triage Diagram for Individuals with Radiation Accidents
This figure is the original work of the authors.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Syndromic Presentation for Individuals with Acute Radiation Syndrome
This figure is the original work of the authors.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Demonstration of the Principle of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA)
This figure is the original work of the authors.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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