Helping First Responders Prepare for a Radiologic or Nuclear Disaster
In light of the recent increase of the Homeland Security Advisory System threat condition to Level Orange, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology would like to remind the healthcare community that it can serve as a resource for those who may be involved in the management of a terrorist incident involving a nuclear or radiologic device.
ASTRO believes that preparation is a key element of an efficient, effective response to a terrorist attack involving a weapon such as a "dirty bomb." To assist first responders, ASTRO offers a primer on dealing with radiologic disasters. The document is available free for download from the Society's Web site, www.astro.org.
Authored in conjunction with the American College of Radiology and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, "Disaster Preparedness for Radiology Professionals: Response to Radiological Terrorism" summarizes current information on preparing for a radiation emergency, handling contaminated persons, dose assessment and radiation exposure health effects. It also includes information on radiological findings related to agents of biologic and chemical terrorism.
Available at www.astro.org/public/DisasterManagement.html, the primer is intended to ease anxiety by providing accurate information about preparing for and responding to a radiation disaster.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with 7,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As a leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society's mission is to advance the practice of radiation oncology by promoting excellence in patient care, providing opportunities for educational and professional development, promoting research and disseminating research results and representing radiation oncology in a rapidly evolving socioeconomic healthcare environment.
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