Types of radiation mass casualties and their management.

Management of radiation mass casualty exposure that may occur as a result of nuclear or radiation accident will depend on the type of accident, and of the knowledge about the actual radiation exposure situation for those who might be involved. Management of the public after an accident in a nuclear or radiation installation will follow existing specific emergency plans, and will take advantage of existing radiation monitoring systems. In other radiation mass casualty exposures, whenever accidental or malevolent use of radiation, there will be a requirement to employ screening programs for indentifying and sorting out exposed people (radiological triage), who will need medical treatment and/or other assistance like decontamination and individual dose assessment. In the later stage after the accident the monitoring for dose assessment purposes for those who will need medical or public health assistance will be required. Demand for dose assessment for large groups of individuals may create the need for international assistance. Prompt and credible public information is vital in all radiation emergencies, and it would be even more important in situations when radiation mass casualties result from exposures to nuclear or radiological material out of regulatory control. In such situations unpredictability of the event creates increase in the risk perception and public communication activities of the authorities will be the key element to prevent unnecessary fear and panic, and the measure to reassure the populace.