Radiation Emergency Readiness Among US Medical Toxicologists: A Survey

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.

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.

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.

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.