The Role of Diagnostic Medical Imaging Community in Responding to Nuclear and Radiological Events in Urban Environments

Abstract

Introduction:To understand the role of medical providers in general and the radiology community in the prevention, management, and aftermath of a radiological or nuclear event.Method:Using a power point presentation, the author will describe in detail the role diagnostic medical imagers can play in responding to the radiological or nuclear MASCAL events.Results:The purpose is to educate the civilian radiology audience about their role amidst the changing nature of current nuclear threats and asymmetric and hybrid warfare in urban settings. It is very likely that in the future the civilian radiology community may be involved and respond to a nuclear crisis or a radiation accident or its aftermath before the military gets involved because it will most likely be initially a MASCAL event in a civilian setting, not immediately under the purview of the military.Conclusion:Radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians will play a very critical and central role in the event of a nuclear detonation or a radiation dispersal device detonation due to their inherent knowledge of the principles of radiation, contamination, exposure and radiation protection.