Triage radiation exposure

Part of the triage process should include an assessment of radiation exposure received. For example, if a patient is vomiting or has diarrhea on arrival, there is a good chance the patient was exposed to a lethal dose of radiation, if the vomiting is due to radiation exposure and not to stress or illness. 

Radiation Injury Diagnosis, Triage and Exposure Assessment... 

Appropriate triage is essential for evaluating and sorting out individuals who may need immediate treatment. Once health care responders suspect radiation exposure, they should (2,5,8) ... 

After stabilization and external decontamination, patients require assessment for radiation injury based on dose, specific isotope involved and the presence of internal contamination. By performing individual biodosimetry, physicians can predict the subsequent clinical severity, survivability and treatment required, as well as triage patients with subclinical or no exposure (2). The three most useful items for estimating exposure doses in a mass casualty situation are ... 

DT-236/PDR-75. NSN 6665-01-211-4217. The AN/PDR-75 provides the capability to monitor and record the exposure of individual personnel to gamma and neutron radiation through a wrist worn device. It is a tactical dosimeter with 1 to 1000 cGy indirect reading for neutron and gamma dose measurement by separate devices. It responds to and measures prompt radiation from nuclear bursts. The PRD-75 will be used to calculate unit radiation status, for medical triage, and for unit reconstitution. Elements are encased in a tamper resistant locket, which is worn on the wrist. Dosages are cumulative and are permanently recorded. 

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