Radiation Emergency Resources
A selection of translated materials on this page are also available in Spanish, Turkish, and Ukrainian.
In the event of a radiological emergency, medical professionals can find references and job aids to assist in the management of individuals injured by ionizing radiation.
REAC/TS Just In Time Fact Sheet for Medical Providers (.PDF, 758 KB)
This document provides information for medical providers regarding acute radiation syndrome, ionizing radiation injuries, cutaneous radiation injuries, and internal contamination.
Do I Need to Take Potassium Iodide (KI)? (.PDF, 313 KB)
This document answers frequently asked questions related to taking potassium iodide (KI) during a radiological release, as well as dosing recommendations from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Health Physics Fast Facts (.PDF, 2.17 MB)
This document provides information on radiological incident types and dose calculations, including specific information on isotopes of interest, reactor accidents, and skin contamination.
Checklists for Hospital and Healthcare Personnel
Download the checklists below to record incident history, hospital response, and patient information, including exposure, contamination, decontamination, and injuries.
Checklist for Healthcare Personnel (.PDF, 130 KB)
Checklist for Hospital-Based Radiation Professionals Dealing with a Radiological Incident [Landscape Format] (.PDF, 126 KB)
Checklist for Hospital-Based Radiation Professionals Dealing with a Radiological Incident [Portrait Format] (.PDF, 125 KB)
Radiological/Nuclear Events
Ground and Air Medical Transport
Radiation Detection Devices
Personal Protective Equipment
Patient Decontamination
Radiological Triage
Cytogenetic Biodosimetry
Exposure versus Contamination
Physical Dosimetry
Radiological Medical Considerations: Just-in-Time pocket card
This pocket card is a companion to REAC/TS’ Just-in-Time training videos and provides key points to consider when delivering care to those involved in a radiological incident. Topics include medical and trauma considerations, radiological triage, personal protective equipment, and patient decontamination.
Download Radiological Medical Considerations: Just-in-Time pocket card (.PDF, 401 KB)
Prehospital Radiological Triage Algorithm
The Prehospital Radiological Triage Algorithm helps emergency response personnel determine what level of triage should be performed on a radiologically contaminated patient. The step-by-step guide includes steps for initial and secondary triage, as well as questions responders should ask when during on-site treatment.
Download Prehospital Radiological Triage Algorithm (English) (.PDF, 767 KB)
Radiation Patient Treatment Algorithm
The Radiation Patient Treatment Algorithm assists first responders in determining appropriate treatment for patients diagnosed with radiological exposure of contamination. The algorithm includes an outline for determining contamination and exposure pathways, as well as steps for documenting and treating the affected patient.
Download Radiation Patient Treatment Algorithm [English] (.PDF, 424 KB)
Download Radiation Patient Treatment Algorithm [Spanish] (.PDF, 129 KB)
Putting on Protective Clothing (Donning)
Learn the necessary steps for donning protective clothing in order to safely care for a patient contaminated with radioactive material.
Download Putting on Protective Clothing (Donning) (.PDF, 1.67 MB)
Download additional formats for printing: Donning 14x18 (.PDF, 1.41 MB) | Donning 18x24 (.PDF, 1.59 MB) | Donning 24x36 (.PDF, 1.97 MB)
Removing Protective Clothing (Doffing)
Learn the necessary steps for safely doffing protective clothing after caring for a patient contaminated with radioactive material.
Download Removing Protective Clothing (Doffing) (.PDF, 1.48 MB)
Download additional formats for printing: Doffing 14x18 (.PDF, 1.36 MB) | Doffing 18x24 (.PDF, 1.79 MB) | Doffing 24x36 (.PDF, 2.22 MB)
Manual for First Responders to a Radiological Emergency
The objective of this publication is to provide guidance for those responding within the first few hours of a radiological emergency. This includes the emergency service personnel who would initially respond at the local level and the national officials who would support this early response.
Download the manual (.PDF, 2.89 MB)
Contact REAC/TS
If you need to contact REAC/TS for assistance with the medical management of those involved in a radiological/nuclear incident, please watch the video above "What to do if you need to contact REAC/TS during an emergency?" to know what information is helpful for us to address your questions and concerns.
General information 865-576-3131
General email reacts@orau.org
After-hours number 865-576-1005 (Ask for REAC/TS)