Radiation: Preparing for the Glow That You Can’t See

Abstract

Introduction:

In 2013, a multinational collaboration met to improve the global and nation-specific preparedness and response in managing casualties from nuclear and radiological disasters. From this meeting, a survey was developed and distributed in both Japanese and English. The results published four years later illustrate a lack of understanding about radiation and risks to the health care provider.

Aim:

To dispel myths and increase understanding regarding trauma treatment and healthcare risks for healthcare providers during a radiologic event.

Methods:

IRB approved survey and literature review

Results:

A total of 418 surveys were analyzed. Although 44% of participants acknowledged that they had taken at least one radiological training course, the majority of the respondents were still not comfortable with radiological emergencies.

Discussion:

Despite the plethora of both online and in-person radiological training availability, healthcare providers are not comfortable with the topic. Based on information from the survey, it is important to dispel myths and educate healthcare providers so that they have reasonable expectations regarding risks and to ensure that they are comfortable coming to work. By doing this, there will be an adequate healthcare presence to help take care of patients who are not only in need of immediate trauma and radiologic exposure care but also with non-affected patients coming for emergent and scheduled health care needs.