[ RadSafe ] Radiation scare tactics

Thu Apr 29 12:33:54 CDT 2010

Many states and cities have an on-going training program with first responders. Not all geographical areas have the concerns/issues outlined by John. The HPS also has programs and outreach to those who request information and/or support. Pennsylvania has an excellent program and the first responders at the highest levels have reached out. An excellent presentation given recently by Rob Forrest, University of PA, where he not only was involved in training first responders, they had actual exercises to detect radioactive materials, and had knowledge of what to do. Therefore, it's an issue of having the right resources available, the willingness of individuals who have to respond to seek information, guidance and support, etc.

What I find humorous is that the issue of radiation exposure, contamination, etc., for first responders, be they police and/or firemen, as well as hospital response, is not a new subject. Back in the 1970s as part of our reactor emergency planning, agreements were initiated with all entities, drills were held routinely and training was provided. The only difference now is that we're talking about potential terrorists activities and before it was nuclear power incidents, fires in radioactive storage facilities, etc. To me, radiation is radiation, and the dialogue really isn't that different.

First responders are willing to learn and they want to perform their duties. More outreach opportunities exists. Seize them!

Regards,

Sandy

-----------------------------------
Sander C. Perle
President
Mirion Technologies
Dosimetry Services Division
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-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu [mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu] On Behalf Of Brennan, Mike (DOH)
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2010 10:20 AM
To: JOHN.RICH at sargentlundy.com; radsafe at health.phys.iit.edu
Subject: Re: [ RadSafe ] Radiation scare tactics

Hi, John.

I concur.  I am not in favor of providing first responders with
radiation detection instruments unless their management is willing to
commit to an ongoing training program that will teach them how to
properly interpret what they might see (and then I'd want to see them
commit money for several years in advance).

I have talked to firemen who told me that if the "radiation meter"
alarms they will sit back and wait until the State radiation people get
there, no matter what is going on.  I can see a nursing home burn down
with fire trucks fleeing the scene, because someone who had received
I-131 the day before had left a handprint on the door (I exaggerate.
Maybe.)  I was dismayed and amused at the level of fear demonstrated by
people who have "enter burning building" on their job description.

As for hospitals; it is almost embarrassing the way some of the policy
makers react to the possibility of contamination.  The was one that
spent several hundred thousand dollars for a tent and decon suite, with
the idea that in the case of something that MIGHT be an RDD all patients
would be deconned before being allowed into the ER.  They were
unconvinced when it was pointed out that measures to control pathogens
are quite effective in stopping the spread of radioactive contamination.
The finally gave up the preemptive decon when it was pointed out that
people would die from delayed treatment, and that the hospital would be
sued and loose.

-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu
[mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu] On Behalf Of
JOHN.RICH at sargentlundy.com
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2010 9:51 AM
To: 'radsafe at health.phys.iit.edu'
Subject: [ RadSafe ] Radiation scare tactics

Radsafers

with all the discussion on the new "reveal all" book about Chernobyl,
it's
worth considering an unintended consequence of the radiation "scare
messages" that was discussed at a meeting of the Midwest HP chapter.
(Something that hadn't occurred to me, but thankfully others are aware
of
it and are trying to come up with working strategies.)

 As a result of the MSM continually shouting about how lethal, deadly,
etc, ANY radiation is - -  first responders, hospitals, and even some
doctors will not commit to being available to treat people in the event
of
an improvised radiological dispersion device.   I don't have any
specifics, but it turns out that at least a few hospitals are thinking
about refusing to let contaminated individuals into their emergency
rooms,
and what's even more discouraging is that first responders are equally
hesitant about dealing with radiation contamination.  (The discussions
indicated that they'd enter a burning building, but not if it had
radiation contamination.)

It sounds like the NCRP and ICRP need to get a document out from a
"trusted source" that puts contamination into perspective.  In the
meantime, is there something that the HPS can do officially, again as a
"trusted source?"

I've started talking to friends, neighbors, etc to get a message out
there, but haven't started sending letters to the editor yet.  If the
HPS
could come up with some good words, I'd be more than happy to spread
them
around.

Disclaimer, - -these are not the thoughts, positions, or opinions of my
company or management.  I guess that's why they're so clear and well
reasoned.  ;-)
 ___________
enough  - -jmr

John Rich
312-269-3768
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