Brian P Murray1,2, Eungjae Kim3, Samuel A Ralston4, Tim P Moran1, Carol Iddins5, Ziad Kazzi1. 1. Emory University School of Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, GA. 2. Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. 3. Emory University (undergraduate), Atlanta, GA. 4. Carl A. Darnall Army Medical Center, Emergency Medicine, Fort Hood, TX. 5. Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site, Oak Ridge, TN.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Large scale radiologic and nuclear disasters are rare; however, recent events such as the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor emergency in Japan and current global political tensions have highlighted the need for health-care providers with expertise in managing radiation injuries. Medical Toxicologists have the ability to collaborate with other specialists in filling this critical role. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the attitudes, experiences, and knowledge of medical toxicologists through the assistance of the American College of Medical Toxicology. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 114 medical toxicologists during the enrollment period. Medical toxicologists who had a willingness to participate in radiologic or nuclear emergencies or who had taken care of patients contaminated with radioactive material were more likely to perform well on the knowledge assessment. CONCLUSION: We identified that there is a group of medical toxicologists who have the willingness, experience, and knowledge to help manage patients in the event of a radiologic or nuclear emergency.
INTRODUCTION: Large scale radiologic and nuclear disasters are rare; however, recent events such as the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor emergency in Japan and current global political tensions have highlighted the need for health-care providers with expertise in managing radiation injuries. Medical Toxicologists have the ability to collaborate with other specialists in filling this critical role. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the attitudes, experiences, and knowledge of medical toxicologists through the assistance of the American College of Medical Toxicology. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 114 medical toxicologists during the enrollment period. Medical toxicologists who had a willingness to participate in radiologic or nuclear emergencies or who had taken care of patients contaminated with radioactive material were more likely to perform well on the knowledge assessment. CONCLUSION: We identified that there is a group of medical toxicologists who have the willingness, experience, and knowledge to help manage patients in the event of a radiologic or nuclear emergency.
Entities:
Keywords:
American College of Medical Toxicology; medical toxicologists; nuclear emergency; preparedness; radiation emergency
Authors: You Yeon Choi; Mihyun Yang; Younghyun Lee; Eunil Lee; Young Woo Jin; Ki Moon Seong Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-03-02 Impact factor: 3.390