Table 3: Personal Protective Equipment Used in Radiological Disasters Emergency Type Response Role Recommended PPE*
Notes, Caveats, & Concerns
● Level D PPE provides sufficient respiratory and skin protection in post-decontamination on areas including delivering care to persons who may not yet be decontaminated (e.g., patients who self-refer or arrive by transport with life limb- threatening injuries). ● Level D PPE protects skin and personal clothing against splashes of contaminated blood and body fluids. ● Level D PPE is equivalent to Standard Precautions PPE worn in medical facilities as protection against transmission of biohazards from patients to providers. ● Level D PPE protects skin and personal clothing against possible contamination from blood and body fluids. ● Level D PPE is equivalent to Standard Precautions PPE worn in medical facilities as protection against transmission of biohazards from patients to providers. ● Level D PPE should be used when caring for radiation exposure victims.
● Do not delay stabilization of any patient to perform decontamination. ● Perform life- and limb-saving tasks before managing radiation problems.
First responders delivering care to victims less likely to be externally contaminated: i.e., post- decontamination areas.
● Hospital radiation safety officer or health physicist monitors work areas and patient blood/body fluids for radioactive contamination.
First responders delivering care with suspected or confirmed internal contamination: i.e., working in post- decontamination areas.
● Patients exposed to radiation but not contaminated with radioactive material pose no threat of exposure to healthcare providers.
First responder delivering care to victims in all areas.
Radiation-only event with a high risk of exposure: e.g., Radiological Exposure Device (RED).
* Where radiation is suspected, first responders should wear a personal radiation dosimeter to monitor radiation absorbed dose . Note : adapted from United States Department of Health and Human Services [USHHS]: Radiation, 2021f) In addition to the above PPE, dosimeters are used to measure the level of exposure anyone working with radiological
Figure 3: Examples of Personal Dosimeter and Geiger Counter
contaminants has experienced. Dosimeters can detect radiation that is in the environment or on or inside a person. Just as there are different types of radiation, there are different types of dosimeters, and one type is not good for all situations or types of radiation. These devices measure and produce various types of data, including radiation types, radiation levels, the time and amount delivered (i.e., roentgens), and the dose absorbed (i.e., rads), both accumulated in total and over a specific period. Dosimeters can be in the form of badges or rings a person wears, known as personal dosimeters (Figure 3A), or can measure radiation levels from broader areas such as the area surrounding the exposure site. The most commonly known type of dosimeter is called a Geiger counter (Figure 3B) and measures environmental radiation levels (USHHS, 2018f). Case study Beth could hardly think straight as the day progressed and details of what was being called a possible terrorist attack became clear. She knew she needed to get some rest after 3 days of working with the victims of ricin gas exposure, but her mind would not stop. As she watched the local news station during a break, listening to the same people being interviewed
A. Personal dosimeter
B. Geiger counter
Note: From USDL: OSHA, n.d.b.
at the incident command center (ICC), she heard and felt an explosion at the ICC. She saw the reporter and others being flung outward as debris flew through the air.
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