The IAEA has launched a new interactive e-learning course to help medical professionals respond to radiation emergencies.
The course, Introduction to Medical Preparedness and Response to Radiation Emergencies, provides practical guidelines on emergency medical actions such as triage, treatment, decontamination and mental health support. It is available in English and Spanish and provides information to prepare medical doctors and healthcare providers to respond appropriately to nuclear and radiological emergencies.
"The course offers an immersive blend of engaging content and learning scenarios, designed for practical application. Participants will encounter strategically placed checkpoints, direct links to relevant IAEA publications, and dynamic instructional videos that reinforce key concepts and support real-world use," said Monica Dobbertin, IAEA Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.
The course covers the basics of medical response to radiological emergencies, explaining response objectives, types of emergencies, and how exposure can occur. The course also outlines how to identify and manage acute radiation syndrome and local radiation injuries and covers important elements on how governments should have clear plans to screen people, sort who needs help first, provide treatment, and offer long-term care after a nuclear or radiological emergency as mandated by the IAEA's general safety standards.
Learners are also presented with three case studies: the radiological accident in Yanango, Peru; the radiological accident in Nueva Aldea, Chile, and the criticality accident in Tokaimura, Japan. These case studies illustrate the central topics covered throughout the course, such as new approaches in the medical treatment of local radiation injuries and acute radiation syndrome. They provide a practical demonstration of how principles and procedures can be applied in real-world emergency scenarios.
The course is equipped with a set of downloadable infographics to support the learning materials. The infographics outline the essential steps to follow in the event of a radiological emergency. They cover the main aspects of the emergency and triage area, including its characteristics, the transport of victims, appropriate surgical clothing, and the preparation of the hospital reception area. They also present the basic procedures for an effective hospital response, such as preparations before the emergency, the correct sequence for putting on personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination procedures, and waste management.
This self-paced course, which can be completed in approximately three hours, is available online and free of charge through the IAEA Learning Management System. Participants who complete all the course requirements can download a certificate of completion.
This course replaces the former Incident and Emergency Centre online e-learning course 'Medical Response to Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies'. It incorporates feedback from member countries and reflects the 2024 edition of the Generic Procedures for Medical Response during a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency. It features four interactive online modules, each developed in accordance with the Systematic Approach to Training and best practices from Adult Learning Theory.
