Dealing with at-risk populations in radiological/nuclear emergencies.
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.
Defence Research and Development Canada-Ottawa, 3701 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Canada. diana.wilkinson@drdc-rddc.gc.ca
Diana
D
Wilkinson
D002170:Canada; D002959:Civil Defense / Q000458:organization & administration*; D054597:Disaster Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D012308:Risk Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D035862:Vulnerable Populations