Radiation Protection Dosimetry Advance Access originally published online on May 3, 2009
Radiation Protection Dosimetry 2009 134(3-4):136-142; doi:10.1093/rpd/ncp070
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Dealing with at-risk populations in radiological/nuclear emergencies
Defence Research and Development Canada—Ottawa, 3701 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Canada K1A 0Z4
* Corresponding author: diana.wilkinson{at}drdc-rddc.gc.ca
In a mass casualty event, there will be at-risk populations that will require unique triage, treatment and consequence management to minimise immediate and long-term health effects. This statement is particularly true for radiological/nuclear (R/N) disasters where individuals exhibit a broad range of physiological responses to radiation exposure. For example, immunocompromised individuals will experience more detrimental radiation health effects; however, it is not always possible to definitively identify these individuals at the time of triage. Immediate and long-term consequence management for these individuals may require unique and potentially limited resources. Thus, at the time of an R/N event, it is crucial to assist community planners by: (a) rapidly identifying at-risk individuals who may have been exposed; (b) determining the dose and individual-specific health risks associated with radiation exposure; (c) identifying additional resources needed to deal with unique, population-specific requirements; and (d) developing treatment strategies in keeping with the rules of ‘supply and demand’. A comprehensive approach to identifying issues relevant to the R/N emergency preparedness for dealing with at-risk populations will be discussed with the aim of defining future research objectives.