Nuclear Radiological Disaster Casualty Management: a Multi-National Global Initiative
Raymond Swienton 1,3, Cham Dallas 2,3,4, Yasuhiro Otomo 5, Sang Do Shin 6, Pairoj Khruekarnchana 7, Curt Harris 2, Kelly Klein 1, Jack Horner 3,8, Tom Lehman 1
1 - University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 2 - University of Georgia College of Public Health, 3 - National Disaster Life Support Foundation, 4 - Society of Disaster Medicine and Public Health, 5 - Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital of Medicine, 6 - Seoul National University College of Medicine, 7 - Rajavithi Hospital Under Department of Medical Service of the Ministry of Public Health Thailand, 8 - Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University
The Nuclear Radiological Disaster Casualty Management (NRDCM) Global Initiative is a multi-national collaboration to improve our global and country-specific preparedness and response in managing the casualties from nuclear and radiological disasters. This initiative is focused upon identifying and improving the concepts, principles, and methods to prepare health professionals and the public for clinical management of casualties during nuclear and radiological disasters and the resulting public health emergencies. Recent advancements in modeling and consequence management analysis have demonstrated largely predictable casualty injury and illness patterns, and that an early appropriately trained medical response will save lives.
To make this goal successful, this level of improved preparedness and medical response will involve a refining of existing disaster medical teams, a review of role definition for all available health and medical professionals, and appropriate education and training of the public. All these efforts would be coordinated to prepare health professionals and the public to do the greatest good for the greatest number of potential survivors of a nuclear or radiological disaster. By working together we can build a framework that fosters interoperability and integration of a global health response of a capable professional workforce.
The NRDCM recognizes that limited resource utilization, altered care principles and practice adaptations are important components of achieving this outcome, while assuring an appropriate level of quality patient care as well as health care worker safety is maintained during such times. The aim is to create a worldwide network of health professionals and trained public to meet the medical, health and safety needs of all persons and communities at risk or during a nuclear or radiological disaster. To achieve and promote excellence in education, training, research and operations, it is intended to achieve a global consensus of the scientific evidence, best clinical and public health practices, and sound educational principles as the mission of the NRDCM Global Initiative.
The NRDCM Workgroup is keenly aware that implementing changes to improve nuclear and radiological disaster casualty management in any nation or region will require the cooperation and commitment of many national leaders. The work products of this initiative are aimed to assist those in such authoritative and decision-making positions to make informed decisions regarding national preparedness on a solid scientific basis, peer-reviewed expert consensus and a commitment to uphold ethical and moral service to all persons affected by the unique consequences resulting from nuclear or radiological events.
ACEM Poster Oct 2013
NRDCM Survey - Get the survey!
