Medical response in a nuclear or radiological emergency

Only suitably trained and physically prepared rescue service or emergency medical teams can respond in radiological emergency situations. They must be protected against the risk of external and internal contamination by protective equipment that is appropriate for the zone concerned and they must wear active and/or passive dosimeters. SEE SHEET 16 • The following people are trained and equipped to intervene in the controlled zone in the VAA: the personnel of the Mobile Emergency and Resuscitation Services (SMUR), the fire brigade personnel of the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS), including the Rapid Response Health Unit (RRHU) and the personnel of the Mobile Radiological Response Units (MRRU), and the Internal Security Forces (ISF). • The following people are trained and equipped to intervene in the exclusion zone: the fire brigade personnel of the FRS’s, particularly the MRRU personnel. In situations of lifethreatening emergency, the SMUR and FRS RRHU personnel can also intervene in exclusion zones if they have appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The personnel of healthcare facilities taking in victims that have not yet been decontaminated (Extreme Urgency – EU – medicalised or self-presenting contaminated persons) must be protected by appropriate PPE to prevent the risk of contamination (Hospital Victim Assembly Area – HVAA, hospital decontamination unit, imaging, operating theatre, etc.). SEE SHEETS 6 22 30 Protection of responders Appropriate resuscitation measures and emergency techniques must always be applied immediately on the site of the event. Protection against internal contamination Protecting the victims against internal contamination is a reflex action, in the same way as the resuscitation actions. The aim is to protect the airways without delay (wipe the face with a damp compress and put a medical face mask on the victim). Resuscitation actions and transfer to a safe place The resuscitation actions are performed on reaching the Victim Assembly Area (VAA), in the controlled area, without delaying transfer of the most critical victims (medical regulation). SEE SHEET 17 Vital actions and protection of injured persons against radioactive exposure 1 2 Action priorities along the medical care pathway MEDICAL RESPONSE STRATEGY The radiological or nuclear (RN) emergency is likely to lead to irradiation and/or external and/or internal contamination. Whatever the extent of any such contamination and the stage of treatment, medical-surgical urgencies take priority over contamination and irradiation management once medical care is provided on the site of the event. 03 SHEET MEDICAL RESPONSE IN NUCLEAR OR RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY 15

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