If the unlikely becomes likely: Medical response to nuclear accidents

• DOI: 10.1177/0096340211399849
• Publication Date: 2011-03-02T00:39:01Z
• Authors: Robert Peter Gale; Alexander Baranov
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 3. Good health

On the anniversary of Chernobyl nuclear power station accident, authors look at how public concern is increasing regarding health consequences radiation exposure—such concern, write, not shaped largely by fear another Chernobyl, but potential use weapons, improvised devices, or stolen conventional sources rogue states like North Korea and Iran terrorists groups Al Qaeda. The authors, leaders US–Soviet medical team that responded to write about their experience treating victims what lessons can be applied future government strategies. United States has capacity respond a event an adequate response catastrophic would impossible. Dealing effectively with disaster requires diverse strategies including policy decisions, education, and, as last resort, preparedness interventions.