Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
As the size of the weapon increases, the effects
encompass a greater distance.
beta particles, and gamma particles [10-12]. Alpha
particles do not penetrate the skin and are stopped
easily by cover such as paper. Our concern is when
alpha particles become inhaled or embedded in
wounds. Beta particles are somewhat stronger and
usually require some type of PPE to stop them.
They can penetrate the outer layer of skin to the
germinal layer where new cells are made. If allowed
to stay on the skin for a prolonged period of time,
beta particles can cause skin injury. Again the
main concern is internal contamination by inhala-
tion or wound contamination. Gamma particles are
much more powerful and require heavy shielding
to prevent penetration. Gamma particles are usually
accompanied by alpha and beta particles.
Various methods might be used to deploy
nuclear agents. They are:
Decontamination of Patients with Radiologic
Contamination
Removal of clothing and rapid washing of exposed
skin and hair will remove up to 95% of contam-
ination. The 0.5% hypochlorite solution used for
chemical decontamination will also remove radio-
logical contaminants. Care must be taken not to irri-
tate the skin. If the skin is damaged radiological
components can be absorbed directly through the
skin.Wounds should be irrigatedwith large amounts
of water or saline.
Remember the patient must
be decontaminated
prior to
transport. The receiving
hospital must be notified prior to transport
.
The patient should be checked after decontami-
nation with devices that measure radiologic activity
to “certify” that the patient has been decontami-
nated (
Treatment of life threatening injuries may
begin before the patient is decontaminated
).
A. Simple radiological device—the act of placing
nuclear materials without using an explosion,
i.e., Placing radioactive material in a cafeteria.
B. Radiological dispersal device—radioactive
material is dispersed via an explosion,
however a nuclear reaction does not take place
(radioactive material is attached to TNT).
C. Reactor—sabotage to a nuclear reactor site,
this is regarded as being highly unlikely.
D. Improvised nuclear device—A “home made”
nuclear weapon.
E. Nuclear weapon—a weapon designed to create
a nuclear reaction. At least one Russian State
has stated that it is missing 50-100 one
kiloton “suitcase bombs.” Assuming a one
kiloton blast:
1. Blast range would reach a distance of
approximately 400 yards.
2. Thermal radiation would reach the same
distance as the blast.
3. Nuclear radiation (i.e., gamma and neutron)
would reach approximately half a mile.
4. The radioactive fallout could produce very
high exposure rates, up to half a mile.
5. The added factor of the electromagnetic
pulse, which only applies to high aerial
bursts (several kilometers), would result in
damage to electronic equipment.
Protocol for Patients Exposed to Radiological
Materials
I. Assure your own safety
II. Maintain adequate airway control
III. Maintain patient's respirations as needed
IV. Maintain patient's circulation as needed
V. Establish IV access (normal saline, KVO)
VI. Remainder of treatment is supportive and
focused on decontamination. These patients
will probably present with traumatic injuries,
burns and/or acute radiation sickness.
References
1. (CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(i)).
2. Rhode Island Department Emergency Manage-
ment. ERP P1-2. Checklist of Response Issues,
www.dem.ri.gov/erp/3.pdf/
3. North American Emergency Response Guide,
http://hazmat.dot.gov/enforce/forms/ohmforms.htm/
4. State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health,
Office of Emergency Medical Services.
Job Aid
for Emergency Medical Service Providers: Emer-
gency Response to Terrorism
. (Hartford: State of
