ACTION TO TAKE IN THE EVENT OF EXTERNAL IRRADIATION Ensuring the radiation protection of the emergency response and medical teams If the source of radiation is still present at the scene of the accident, the radiation protection of the emergency response and medical teams must be ensured by wearing external monitoring and alerting dosimetric equipment (active dosimeter) and by applying three protection principles: time, distance and shielding. If the environment is contaminated, protection is ensured by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Responders Emergency response and emergency medical teams: SMUR, RRHU Places Exclusion zone and controlled zone + 16SHEET Implementing appropriate dosimetric monitoring for the radiological risk These means concern the emergency response and medical teams who intervene in Radiological Emergency Situations (RES). Article R. 4451-99 of the French Labour Code defines two groups of responders : • Group 1 responders: their effective dose could exceed 20 mSv during the RES. They are equipped with a passive and an active dosimeter appropriate for the situation. • Responders du groupe 2 : their effective dose could exceed 1 mSv, without exceeding 20 mSv. They are equipped with a passive dosimeter at least. If the nature of the emergency situation prevents the issue of passive dosimeters, the exposure is evaluated by any other appropriate method established by the employer with the assistance of the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN). It may, for example, involve the use of an active dosimeter, collective dosimetry or an approach by calculation based on environmental measurements. The Emergency Medical and Resuscitation Services (SMUR) of the healthcare facilities with Emergency Medical Assistance Services (SAMU) have active dosimeters (since 2005). PASSIVE DOSIMETER Generally speaking, the dosimeters used and worn on the chest under the PPE are suitable for the types of radiation likely to be encountered: X-rays, gamma and/or beta rays, neutrons. Extremity dosimeters and eye lens dosimeters can also be worn if necessary. IN PRACTICE Stock available in case of emergency IRSN holds a permanent stock of several hundred dosimeters which can be issued immediately at the request of the public authorities in the event of a crisis. Use: • Personal and nominative dosimeter. • Dosimetric measurement during the emergency period. • The dosimeter analysis cycle usually takes several days (dispatch to laboratory, analysis, return), but can be expedited if necessary. © Landauaer © Grégoire Maisonneuve/ Médiathèque IRSN MEDICAL RESPONSE IN NUCLEAR OR RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY 53
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