Radiation emergencies require an all-hazards response with necessary additions to protect responders and receivers, limit health impacts and save lives. Due to their high threat/low probably nature, public health preparedness planners often focus resources elsewhere. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledged this gap in prioritizing radiation preparedness and during the 2018 refresh of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) capabilities included radiation language in 14 of those 15 capabilities.
Throughout these training modules, subject matter experts (SMEs) will walk you through the radiation-specific issues that should be considered before and during the four phases of response. These SMEs are members of the National Alliance for Radiation Readiness (NARR) and represent public health, healthcare and emergency management. There is no doubt that a radiation emergency will require a multidisciplinary response across coordinating sectors. These modules will help enhance that coordination.