radiological and nuclear weaponspeople.eku.edu/hunters/emc_450/chapter5_edited_by_me.pdf ·...

McGraw-Hill ©© 2008 The McGraw2008 The McGraw--Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

CHAPTER 5CHAPTER 5Radiological and Nuclear Radiological and Nuclear

WeaponsWeapons

Jim Smith, MSS, JD, Jim Smith, MSS, JD, Ed.DEd.D., NREMT., NREMT--PPJohn E. Campbell, M.D., FACEPJohn E. Campbell, M.D., FACEP

©© 2008 The McGraw2008 The McGraw--Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.McGraw-Hill

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Overview Overview

Radiation primerRadiation primerMethods of exposure to radiationMethods of exposure to radiationRadiation as a weaponRadiation as a weaponDetection of a radiation attackDetection of a radiation attackDealing with the radiation sceneDealing with the radiation sceneDecontaminationDecontaminationPearlsPearls


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Radioactive material is a Radioactive material is a true terror true terror weaponweapon because it generates fear out of because it generates fear out of proportion to the actual hazard, disrupts proportion to the actual hazard, disrupts society, and is very expensive to clean society, and is very expensive to clean up. up. Radiation is even more frightening than Radiation is even more frightening than most weapons because, even though it is most weapons because, even though it is deadly, you candeadly, you can’’t see it or feel it.t see it or feel it.

Radiological WeaponsRadiological Weapons


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Atomic Structure:Atomic Structure:AtomAtom

Made up of Made up of protons, neutronsprotons, neutrons, , and and electronselectronsProtons and Protons and neutrons are in the neutrons are in the nucleus.nucleus.Electrons orbitElectrons orbitthem.them.


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Atomic Structure:Atomic Structure:AtomAtom

ProtonsProtons have have positive chargepositive charge..Neutrons have no Neutrons have no charge.charge.ElectronsElectrons have a have a negative chargenegative charge..Electrons have Electrons have almost no mass.almost no mass.Most of atom is Most of atom is empty space.empty space.


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RadiationRadiation

A A radioactive atom is one that has an radioactive atom is one that has an excessexcess of mass or energyof mass or energy..The atom rids itself of either mass or The atom rids itself of either mass or energy or both by energy or both by emitting an energetic emitting an energetic particle and/or energyparticle and/or energy in the form of in the form of electromagnetic waves.electromagnetic waves.This process is called This process is called radioactive decayradioactive decay..


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RadiationRadiation

There are There are four primary formsfour primary forms of of radioactive emissions:radioactive emissions:•• Alpha particlesAlpha particles•• Beta particlesBeta particles•• Gamma raysGamma rays•• NeutronsNeutrons


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RadiationRadiation

Alpha particleAlpha particle::•• This particle is This particle is emitted from the nucleusemitted from the nucleus of a of a

radioactive atom and is made up of 2 protons radioactive atom and is made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.and 2 neutrons.

•• Can Can travel only a few centimeters in airtravel only a few centimeters in air and and has very little penetrating power. It has very little penetrating power. It cancan’’t t penetrate the skin.penetrate the skin.

•• Must be ingested to harm the human bodyMust be ingested to harm the human body..


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RadiationRadiation

Beta particleBeta particle::•• This particle is emitted from the nucleus of a This particle is emitted from the nucleus of a

radioactive atom and has the mass and radioactive atom and has the mass and negative charge of an electron.negative charge of an electron.

•• Can travel a few meters in air but Can travel a few meters in air but only a few only a few millimeters in tissuemillimeters in tissue

•• It is both an It is both an external and internal threatexternal and internal threatbut is easily shielded.but is easily shielded.


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RadiationRadiation

Gamma rayGamma ray::•• This is This is shortshort--wavelengthwavelength electromagnetic electromagnetic

radiationradiation from the nucleus of a radioactive atom. from the nucleus of a radioactive atom. •• Other than the fact that it comes from the Other than the fact that it comes from the

nucleus rather than the outer shell, it is nucleus rather than the outer shell, it is identical identical to an Xto an X--ray.ray.

•• Gamma rays will travel many meters in air Gamma rays will travel many meters in air and will pass through the human bodyand will pass through the human body..

Lead apron will not stop it.Lead apron will not stop it.•• It is both an It is both an external and internal threatexternal and internal threat and and

requires heavy shielding.requires heavy shielding.©© 2008 The McGraw2008 The McGraw--Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.McGraw-Hill

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RadiationRadiation

NeutronNeutron::•• Neutrons are Neutrons are humanhuman--mademade and do not occur in and do not occur in

nature.nature.•• Requires special equipment (or a nuclear Requires special equipment (or a nuclear

bomb) to producebomb) to produce..•• Neutrons Neutrons will travel many meters in air and will travel many meters in air and

penetrate the human body easilypenetrate the human body easily..•• It is an external threat but It is an external threat but can be shielded can be shielded

with water or plasticwith water or plastic..•• Requires a special detectorRequires a special detector


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Penetrating Power of RadiationPenetrating Power of Radiation


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RadiationRadiation

alphaalpha

betagamma


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IsotopesIsotopesAn isotope is another form An isotope is another form of an element that differs in of an element that differs in the form of the nucleus.the form of the nucleus.

An An isotope may or may isotope may or may not be radioactivenot be radioactive..The The hydrogen atom has one hydrogen atom has one protonproton in its nucleus while in its nucleus while its its nonradioactive isotope nonradioactive isotope deuterium has one proton deuterium has one proton and one neutronand one neutron..

Hydrogen

Deuterium

“Heavy”Hydrogen


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IsotopesIsotopesThe radioactive isotope of hydrogen is The radioactive isotope of hydrogen is tritium and it has one proton and two tritium and it has one proton and two neutrons in its nucleus.neutrons in its nucleus.It emits a beta particle (electron).It emits a beta particle (electron).Because it glows in the dark tritium is Because it glows in the dark tritium is used on watch faces and gun sights. used on watch faces and gun sights. Deuterium and tritium are still Deuterium and tritium are still hydrogen but have different hydrogen but have different properties.properties.Depending on the element, Depending on the element, radioactive isotopes may emit any of radioactive isotopes may emit any of the radioactive wave particles.the radioactive wave particles.

Hydrogen

Deuterium

Tritium


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Post break


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Radiation DamageRadiation Damage

Radiation damages human cells by Radiation damages human cells by disrupting the DNA of the celldisrupting the DNA of the cell..Dividing cells (Dividing cells (growinggrowing) are ) are affected moreaffected more, , so radiation affects skin, hair follicles, so radiation affects skin, hair follicles, blood cells, and cells of the lining of the GI blood cells, and cells of the lining of the GI tract first.tract first.


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Radiation burns look just like thermal Radiation burns look just like thermal burnsburns but heal more slowly and are prone but heal more slowly and are prone to develop cancer later.to develop cancer later.Cancer cells also divide rapidly and so Cancer cells also divide rapidly and so radiation is used to kill cancerous tumors.radiation is used to kill cancerous tumors.


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An individual exposed only to an An individual exposed only to an external external sourcesource of radiation, is of radiation, is NOT radioactive NOT radioactive or contaminatedor contaminated and may be and may be approached without risk, just like after a approached without risk, just like after a chest xchest x--ray or CT scan. ray or CT scan.


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Radiation in very high doses will kill Radiation in very high doses will kill cells quickly.cells quickly.At lower dosesAt lower doses radiation may only damage radiation may only damage the DNA of the cells, the DNA of the cells, predisposingpredisposing them to them to become cancerous.become cancerous.•• Damage to eggs or spermDamage to eggs or sperm may cause may cause

mutations or congenital deformities in the mutations or congenital deformities in the offspring.offspring.

Many victims of radiation exposure die of Many victims of radiation exposure die of infectioninfection because of damage to the because of damage to the protective white blood cells.protective white blood cells.


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Acute Radiation Syndrome

People exposed to radiation will develop ARS only if all the following are true: • high dose • radiation penetrated deeply (i.e., x-rays) • large area effected • does was delivered quickly


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Acute Radiation Syndrome

Diagnosis made by estimating dose and time of onset of symptoms/signs:• Time to onset of vomiting• Lymphocyte depletion kinetics• Physical exam• Clinical signs and symptoms associated with

ARS and its subsyndromes


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Radiation exposure can be Radiation exposure can be measured in measured in RADsRADs or REM.or REM.•• For practical purposes they are the same.For practical purposes they are the same.

The The effect of various wholeeffect of various whole--body dosesbody doses of of radiation on humans:radiation on humans:•• 2525 REM: No detectable effectREM: No detectable effect•• 5050 REM: Slight temporary blood changesREM: Slight temporary blood changes•• 100100 REM: Mild radiation sickness (nausea and REM: Mild radiation sickness (nausea and

fatigue) a couple of days laterfatigue) a couple of days later•• 400400 REM: Half of those exposed will die.REM: Half of those exposed will die.


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Radiation exposure can be Radiation exposure can be measured in SI measured in SI (international units).(international units).gray (gray (GyGy): absorbed energy per unit mass ): absorbed energy per unit mass of tissueof tissue1 1 GyGy = 1 Joule/kilogram = 100 rad.= 1 Joule/kilogram = 100 rad.Gray can be used for any type of radiation Gray can be used for any type of radiation (e.g., alpha, beta, neutron, gamma), but (e.g., alpha, beta, neutron, gamma), but it does not describe the biological effects it does not describe the biological effects of different radiationsof different radiations


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Dose Calculator

http://www.remm.nlm.gov/ars_wbd.htm


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Physical Exam Should include:Vital signs • Body temperature - evaluate for fever • Blood pressure - evaluate for hypotension • Pulse - evaluate rate and strength • Respiratory rate

Skin examination • Erythema• Blistering • Edema • Desquamation

Neurologic examination • Level of consciousness • Ataxia • Motor/sensory deficits • Presence or absence of reflexes • Papilledema

Gastrointestinal examination • Abdominal tenderness • Gastrointestinal bleeding

Hematologic examination • Ecchymoses

• Petechiae of mucous membrane and skin


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Physical Exam Should include:Vital signs

• Body temperature - evaluate for fever • Blood pressure - evaluate for hypotension • Pulse - evaluate rate and strength

• Respiratory rate




Hematologic examination • Ecchymoses• Petechiae of mucous membrane and skin


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• Body temperature - evaluate for fever • Blood pressure - evaluate for hypotension • Pulse - evaluate rate and strength • Respiratory rate

Skin examination • Erythema• Blistering • Edema

• Desquamation





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Gastrointestinal examination • Abdominal tenderness

• Gastrointestinal bleeding



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Methods of Exposure to Methods of Exposure to RadiationRadiation

If the radioactive isotope is a If the radioactive isotope is a fissionablefissionablematerial (material (plutonium or uraniumplutonium or uranium) that ) that could be used to start a chain reactioncould be used to start a chain reactionleading to a nuclear explosion, it could be leading to a nuclear explosion, it could be used to make a nuclear weapon.used to make a nuclear weapon.Nuclear weapons are difficult to make but Nuclear weapons are difficult to make but could be stolen or purchasedcould be stolen or purchased from a from a country with nuclear weapon capability.country with nuclear weapon capability.


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Radioactive powder or liquid could be Radioactive powder or liquid could be delivered by conventional explosiondelivered by conventional explosion or by or by spraying from an aircraft.spraying from an aircraft.A building could be contaminated by A building could be contaminated by placing radioactive powder into the placing radioactive powder into the ventilation system.ventilation system.The material The material could be mailedcould be mailed in a package in a package or envelope.or envelope.The material could be spread by hand but The material could be spread by hand but would likely contaminate the terrorist.would likely contaminate the terrorist.


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If simply exposedIf simply exposed to radiation from a to radiation from a sealed source or from an Xsealed source or from an X--ray generator ray generator the the victimvictim may be injured but does not may be injured but does not become radioactive and become radioactive and is no danger to is no danger to others.others.•• Having an XHaving an X--ray taken is an example.ray taken is an example.

IfIf someone has radioactive material someone has radioactive material deposited on their skindeposited on their skin theythey may be may be injured and injured and are a danger to others until are a danger to others until they wash the radioactive material off.they wash the radioactive material off.


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When radioactive material is inhaled or When radioactive material is inhaled or ingested, it will continue to radiate the ingested, it will continue to radiate the organs of the body for the life of the organs of the body for the life of the isotope.isotope.Some radioactive isotopes have a chemical affinity Some radioactive isotopes have a chemical affinity for a certain organ of the body and will accumulate for a certain organ of the body and will accumulate there, causing damage to that organ:there, causing damage to that organ:•• Radioactive Radioactive iodineiodine accumulates in the accumulates in the thyroidthyroid gland.gland.•• Radioactive Radioactive cesiumcesium accumulates in the accumulates in the liverliver..•• Radioactive Radioactive strontiumstrontium accumulates in accumulates in bonebone..


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The person who has inhaled or ingested The person who has inhaled or ingested radioactive material may or may not be radioactive material may or may not be dangerous to othersdangerous to others, depending on the , depending on the penetrating power of the particle ingested.penetrating power of the particle ingested.•• Alpha particlesAlpha particles would be would be no dangerno danger to others.to others.•• Beta particles may or may notBeta particles may or may not, depending on , depending on

distance.distance.

•• Gamma rays would harm others.Gamma rays would harm others.People cannot swallow XPeople cannot swallow X--ray generators.ray generators.

•• Neutrons would be dangerous to others.Neutrons would be dangerous to others.


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Radiation as a WeaponRadiation as a WeaponThere have been threats of the use of nuclear There have been threats of the use of nuclear devices against the U.S. for many years.devices against the U.S. for many years.Nuclear bombs are likely to be available to Nuclear bombs are likely to be available to determined, welldetermined, well--financed terrorists.financed terrorists.Several cities have been targets of nuclear Several cities have been targets of nuclear extortion threats.extortion threats.•• No real bombs used but the external appearance of the No real bombs used but the external appearance of the

bogus bombs was exactly the same as a real one.bogus bombs was exactly the same as a real one.


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TX at Hospital

Further scanning and identifying the material in questionMay include internal decontaminationchelation (or removal)


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TX at Hospital - Plutonium 239

half life ~ 20 yearsbuilds up in lungs, bones, liver, gonadsmay require “chelation”• excretion via urine


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Special Care for the Dead

If nuclear blast - delay removalIf no blast - no delay requiredconsider specialized teams for removal


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Radiation as a WeaponRadiation as a Weapon

The The most practical method of most practical method of terrorist attackterrorist attack would be to use a would be to use a radiological dispersion device (RDD) such radiological dispersion device (RDD) such as a conventional bomb to disperse a as a conventional bomb to disperse a radioactive material over a wide area. radioactive material over a wide area. •• These are called These are called ““dirty bombs.dirty bombs.””A simple method of attack would be to A simple method of attack would be to place the material in place the material in powderpowder form form in a in a ventilation systemventilation system of a building or mail it of a building or mail it in a package.in a package.


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RDDsRDDs produce a produce a ““denial of usedenial of use”” of a of a facility or a location for a prolonged facility or a location for a prolonged period of time.period of time.It is often It is often easier to tear down and remove a easier to tear down and remove a buildingbuilding than to remove the radiation than to remove the radiation contamination.contamination.There are There are longlong--term health issuesterm health issues in people who in people who are exposed to high radiation doses.are exposed to high radiation doses.It is It is extremely expensive to decontaminate a siteextremely expensive to decontaminate a sitethat has been contaminated with radioactive that has been contaminated with radioactive material.material.


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Some radioactive isotopes have such Some radioactive isotopes have such long lives that they can render an long lives that they can render an area uninhabitable for many years.area uninhabitable for many years.•• The plutonium released by the The plutonium released by the ChernobylChernobyl

nuclear reactor accident has made 25% of the nuclear reactor accident has made 25% of the farmland and forests of Belarus uninhabitable farmland and forests of Belarus uninhabitable for the next 25,000 years.for the next 25,000 years.


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Plutonium is fairly well secured in Plutonium is fairly well secured in most placesmost places, but Cobalt, but Cobalt--60 (half60 (half--life >5 life >5 years) and Cesiumyears) and Cesium--137 (half137 (half--life 30 years) life 30 years) are both powerful gamma ray emitters are both powerful gamma ray emitters and they are used in industry where and they are used in industry where security is generally poor.security is generally poor.


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Detection of a Radiation AttackDetection of a Radiation Attack

Radiation cannot be detected by Radiation cannot be detected by human senses, so special detectors human senses, so special detectors must be used.must be used.HazMatHazMat teams routinely wear small teams routinely wear small detectors called detectors called ““radiation pagersradiation pagers”” that that alarm when they detect even a small alarm when they detect even a small amount of radiation.amount of radiation.Those who must work in the contaminated Those who must work in the contaminated environment should wear dosimeters.environment should wear dosimeters.


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Pencil dosimeterPencil dosimeter•• Can be worn on PPECan be worn on PPE to get an ongoing reading to get an ongoing reading

of radiation exposure.of radiation exposure.•• The reading is crude.The reading is crude.

ThermoluminescentThermoluminescent dosimetersdosimeters•• Are more accurate recorders of radiation Are more accurate recorders of radiation

exposure but do not give an immediate exposure but do not give an immediate reading and require a separate machine to reading and require a separate machine to read them.read them.

•• They are worn on the PPE to record an They are worn on the PPE to record an accurate reading on total radiation exposure accurate reading on total radiation exposure by the individual.by the individual.


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Pencil DosimetersPencil Dosimeters Thermoluminescent dosimeter

DosimetersDosimeters


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Radiation PagerRadiation Pager


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There are several kinds of radiation There are several kinds of radiation detection instruments available.detection instruments available.•• The low range betaThe low range beta--gamma or alpha radiation gamma or alpha radiation

detector is most commonly used.detector is most commonly used.It is best for gamma radiation detection but may It is best for gamma radiation detection but may be overwhelmed by high levels of gamma be overwhelmed by high levels of gamma radiation and fail to detect it.radiation and fail to detect it.


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Low Range BetaLow Range Beta--Gamma or Gamma or Alpha Radiation DetectorAlpha Radiation Detector

Hotdog Probe


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Safe LimitsSafe Limits of Exposure to of Exposure to RadiationRadiation

5 REM (measurement of radiation 5 REM (measurement of radiation exposure) per year is the normal limit.exposure) per year is the normal limit.•• Average chest XAverage chest X--ray is 0.022 REM.ray is 0.022 REM.

25 REM for emergencies25 REM for emergencies•• This dose should cause no detectable changes.This dose should cause no detectable changes.

100 REM to save a life100 REM to save a life•• This might cause nausea and weakness a This might cause nausea and weakness a

couple of days later.couple of days later.


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Safe Limits of Exposure to Safe Limits of Exposure to RadiationRadiation

At a radiation emergency scene the At a radiation emergency scene the incident commander or the radiation incident commander or the radiation safety officer will set the allowed limits of safety officer will set the allowed limits of exposure for those who must enter the exposure for those who must enter the hot zone.hot zone.You would normally enter the hot zone You would normally enter the hot zone only to save lives.only to save lives.As a general rule when the pencil As a general rule when the pencil dosimeter shows a radiation dose of 50% dosimeter shows a radiation dose of 50% of the limit you must leave the scene.of the limit you must leave the scene.


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Indications of a Possible Indications of a Possible Radiation AttackRadiation Attack

You should be suspicious of radiation You should be suspicious of radiation contamination and thus wear a radiation contamination and thus wear a radiation detector on your PPE in the following detector on your PPE in the following situations:situations:•• All explosions of unknown originAll explosions of unknown origin•• All bombingsAll bombings•• Any situation with an unknown substance, Any situation with an unknown substance,

particularly a substance received in the mailparticularly a substance received in the mail


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Dealing with the Radiation Dealing with the Radiation SceneScene

If you must enter the hot zone of a If you must enter the hot zone of a radiation incident, remember time, radiation incident, remember time, distance, shielding, and quantity:distance, shielding, and quantity:•• Time: Spend the least amount of time on Time: Spend the least amount of time on

scene as possible.scene as possible.Work in shifts if necessary.Work in shifts if necessary.

•• Distance: Stay as far away from the Distance: Stay as far away from the contaminated area as possible. contaminated area as possible.

Radiation exposure follows the inverse square Radiation exposure follows the inverse square law in that doubling the distance will decrease law in that doubling the distance will decrease the exposure to onethe exposure to one--fourth. fourth. Small changes in distance give big decreases in Small changes in distance give big decreases in exposure.exposure.


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If the radiation exposure was 32 REMper hour at point A (one foot from source), moving to two feet away decreases exposure to 8 REM per hour and at 4 feet decreases to 2 REMper hour .



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Time, distance, shielding, and quantityTime, distance, shielding, and quantity::•• Shielding: Try to maintain something dense Shielding: Try to maintain something dense

such as metal or concrete between you and such as metal or concrete between you and the contamination source.the contamination source.

•• Quantity: Remove victimQuantity: Remove victim’’s contaminated s contaminated clothes and wash or shower the material off clothes and wash or shower the material off his body (wet decontamination).his body (wet decontamination).


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Minimal Protection Minimal Protection -- TyvekTyvek®® suitsuitShould be worn with gloves and boots Should be worn with gloves and boots taped to suit taped to suit Universal precaution barriers (at least) Universal precaution barriers (at least) required over eyes, nose, and mouth required over eyes, nose, and mouth


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Generally in a radiation incident you would Generally in a radiation incident you would set the hot zone as 25set the hot zone as 25--50 meters (8050 meters (80--160 160 feet) in all directions from the source.feet) in all directions from the source.Try to stay upwind from the scene.Try to stay upwind from the scene.If an explosion is involved the hot zone If an explosion is involved the hot zone should be increased to 1,000 to 1,500 should be increased to 1,000 to 1,500 feet.feet.Every person, vehicle, and item at the Every person, vehicle, and item at the scene must be scanned with a radiation scene must be scanned with a radiation detector to rule out contamination. detector to rule out contamination.


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Radiation DecontaminationRadiation DecontaminationPerform wet decontamination of victims (remove Perform wet decontamination of victims (remove clothes and shower).clothes and shower).•• Runoff water is contaminated and should be contained.Runoff water is contaminated and should be contained.

Victims must be surveyed with a radiation Victims must be surveyed with a radiation detector (pancake probe) to confirm that all detector (pancake probe) to confirm that all contamination has been removed.contamination has been removed.•• If contamination is still present then the person must be If contamination is still present then the person must be

washed again.washed again.

To avoid ingesting radioactive material nobody is To avoid ingesting radioactive material nobody is to eat or drink until they have been confirmed to to eat or drink until they have been confirmed to be decontaminated.be decontaminated.


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Radiation Detector with Radiation Detector with Pancake ProbePancake Probe

Pancake probe


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Personal DosimeterPersonal Dosimeter


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Radiation DecontaminationRadiation Decontamination

You should try to prevent contamination of You should try to prevent contamination of open wounds:open wounds:•• Cover the wound.Cover the wound.•• Remove victimRemove victim’’s clothing.s clothing.•• Wash victimWash victim’’s body with soap and water.s body with soap and water.•• Remove dressing and flush the wound with Remove dressing and flush the wound with

water.water.


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Recheck after cleaning

Control run-off water while cleaning


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PearlsPearls

Humans senses cannot detect radiation. Humans senses cannot detect radiation. You must use a radiation detector to scan:You must use a radiation detector to scan:•• The scene of all explosions of unknown causeThe scene of all explosions of unknown cause•• All bombing scenesAll bombing scenes•• All suspicious substancesAll suspicious substances•• All suspicious mass casualty scenesAll suspicious mass casualty scenes

Enter a radiation scene only to save lives.Enter a radiation scene only to save lives.


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PearlsPearlsRemember time, distance, shielding, and Remember time, distance, shielding, and quantity.quantity.•• Remove victimRemove victim’’s contaminated clothes and have them s contaminated clothes and have them

shower immediately.shower immediately.•• Stay in hot zone no longer than absolutely necessary.Stay in hot zone no longer than absolutely necessary.•• Stay upwind and as far away from radiation source as Stay upwind and as far away from radiation source as

possible.possible.•• Wear appropriate PPE with respiratory protection.Wear appropriate PPE with respiratory protection.•• Try to keep dense objects between you and the radiation Try to keep dense objects between you and the radiation

source.source.

Decontaminate victims prior to treatment or Decontaminate victims prior to treatment or transport.transport.


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RadiationRadiation


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Who would have thought?Who would have thought?


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Nuclear Radiation Nuclear Radiation (1 of 5)(1 of 5)

Personal SafetyPersonal Safety•• Only appropriately trained and equipped Only appropriately trained and equipped

personnel should handle radiation personnel should handle radiation emergencies.emergencies.

Basic Nuclear PhysicsBasic Nuclear Physics•• AtomsAtoms

Protons, neutrons, and electronsProtons, neutrons, and electrons

•• Isotopes and HalfIsotopes and Half--LifeLife


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Ionizing RadiationIonizing Radiation•• Alpha particlesAlpha particles•• Beta particlesBeta particles•• Gamma raysGamma rays•• NeutronsNeutrons


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Ionizing RadiationIonizing RadiationEffects of Radiation on the BodyEffects of Radiation on the Body•• Detection of RadiationDetection of Radiation

RAD and REMRAD and REM•• Acute and LongAcute and Long--Term EffectsTerm Effects


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81Nuclear Nuclear Radiation Radiation (4 of 5)(4 of 5)

Principles of SafetyPrinciples of Safety•• TimeTime•• DistanceDistance•• ShieldingShielding


82Nuclear Nuclear Radiation Radiation (4 of 5)(4 of 5)

Principles of Principles of •• Clean AccidentsClean Accidents

Patient is exposed Patient is exposed but not but not contaminated.contaminated.

•• Dirty AccidentsDirty AccidentsPatient is Patient is contaminated by contaminated by radioactive radioactive particles, liquids, particles, liquids, gases, or smoke.gases, or smoke.


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ManagementManagement•• Park upwind.Park upwind.•• Look for signs of radioactive exposure.Look for signs of radioactive exposure.•• Use portable instruments to detect radioactivity.Use portable instruments to detect radioactivity.•• Normal emergency care principles should be applied.Normal emergency care principles should be applied.•• Externally radiated and internally contaminated Externally radiated and internally contaminated

patients pose little danger.patients pose little danger.•• Externally contaminated patients require Externally contaminated patients require

decontamination.decontamination.


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Recommended Scene:Recommended Scene:

XX

staging

command

EMSEMS

windwind

publicpublic


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