Publications for first responders

This page lists IAEA publications relevant to first responders.

Practical IAEA Publications for first responders

Image Manual for first responders to a radiological emergency
IAEA-EPR-First Responders, 2006
The objective of this publication is to provide practical guidance for those responding within the first few hours of a radiological emergency. This includes the emergency service personnel who would initially respond at the local level and the national officials who would support this early response. Details
Image Dangerous Quantities of Radioactive Material (D-Values)
 IAEA-EPR-D-Values, 2006
A D value is the quantity of radioactive material which is considered a dangerous source. A dangerous source is one that, if uncontrolled, could result in death or a permanent injury which decreases that person's quality of life. Various IAEA documents concerning emergency preparedness and safety and security of radioactive sources list D values for a limited set of radionuclides. This document describes, in detail, the basis for the D-values given in various Agency documents and provides D-values for over 400 radionuclides that may be relevant in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency. Details
Image Method for Developing Arrangements for Response to a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency
IAEA-EPR-METHOD (2003) (Updating IAEA-TECDOC-953)
This publication provides a practical resource for emergency planning and fulfils, in part, functions assigned to the IAEA in the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency. If used effectively, it will help users to develop a capability to adequately respond to a nuclear or radiological emergency. Details
Image Generic assessment procedures for determining protective actions during a reactor accident
IAEA-TECDOC-955
This manual provides technical procedures for determining protective actions for the public and controlling dose to emergency workers for accidents at a nuclear reactor. These include: procedures for classifying an accident, projecting consequences, coordinating environmental monitoring, interpreting environmental data, determining public protective actions and controlling emergency worker doses. This manual describes an emergency assessment organizational structure recommended for the optimum implementation of the accident assessment procedures. Details
Image Generic procedures for assessment and response during a radiological emergency
IAEA-TECDOC-1162
This manual provides the tools, generic procedures and data needed for initial response to different types of radiological emergency, including emergencies involving sealed and unsealed radioactive materials and radiation generators, and transport emergencies. It is intended for use by persons or groups who are responding to a radiological emergency. It explains the roles and responsibilities of the members of the generic response organization. The intention is that users of the manual will develop a better understanding of steps to be taken in a radiological emergency, in order to effectively achieve the goals of emergency response. Details
Image Generic procedures for medical response during a nuclear or radiological emergency
IAEA-EPR-MEDICAL (2005)
The aim of this manual is to provide the medical community with practical guidance for medical emergency preparedness and response, describing the tasks and actions of different members of the national, regional or local medical infrastructure in accordance with international standards. This document provides generic response procedures for medical personnel responding to different types of radiation emergencies and at the different stages of the emergency response (at the scene of the emergency, pre-hospital, hospital), and during the early post-emergency stage (about 1-2 months afterwards). Details
Image Diagnosis and treatments of radiation injuries
Safety Reports Series No. 2
This publication is directed at medical professionals who may be involved in the management of radiation injuries starting from the first few hours or days after an exposure of undefined severity (i.e. those handling the emergency situation may not know the extent and severity of the accident). Experience has shown that in addition to occupational physicians, the complete management of an emergency case involves other professionals such as haematologists, oncologists, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, vascular surgeons, psychiatrists and consultants in other medical specialties. The principal aim of this publication is to provide guidelines to enable medical professionals to carry out prompt diagnostic measures and to offer emergency treatment. Details

Other documents — background and extended response

Image International Basic Safety Standards for Protection Against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources
IAEA Safety Series No. 115 (1996)
These Standards are based on the latest assessments of the biological effects of irradiation made by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, and on the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection and the International Nuclear Safety Advisory Group. The Standards represent an international consensus on qualitative and quantitative requirements for protection and safety for: planned practices such as nuclear power generation and the use of radiation and radioactive materials in medicine and industry; intervention in existing situations such as chronic exposure to natural sources of radiation or exposure following and accident; control of radiation sources, including notification and authorization, and criteria for examption. Consensus guidance is also given on: occupational radiation protection; protection of patients in radiography, fluoroscopy, computer tomography, mammography and nuclear medicine; protection of members of the public from exposure to radioactive materials released to the environment; prevention of incidents giving rise to potential exposures; and intervention in a radiological emergency. Details
Image Preparedness and Response for a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency Safety Requirements
IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GS-R-2
This Safety Requirements publication establishes the requirements for preparedness and response for a nuclear or radiological emergency. It expands on, complements and organizes the requirements relating to emergency management established in Safety Series No. 120, Radiation Protection and the Safety of Radiation Sources (1996), and No. 115, International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources (1996).
This publication is available here in . It is also available in other languages on the IAEA publications site. Details
Image Preparation, Conduct and Evaluation of Exercises to Test Preparedness for a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency
IAEA-EPR-EXERCISE (2005)
The purpose of this publication is to provide practical guidance for planners to efficiently and effectively prepare, conduct and evaluate emergency response exercises. It also provides guidance to be used at the stage of preparedness for establishment of the emergency preparedness programme. This publication covers response exercises for emergencies involving all types of nuclear or radiological practices, given in threat categories I to V, as described in IAEA Safety Standards Series no. GS-R-2 and the EPR-Method (2003). Details
Image Planning and Preparing for Emergency Response to Transport Accidents Involving Radioactive Material Safety Guide
IAEA Safety Standards Series No. TS-G-1.2 (ST-3)
This Safety Guide provides guidance on various aspects of emergency planning and preparedness for dealing effectively and safely with transport accidents involving radioactive material, including the assignment of responsibilities. It reflects the requirements specified in Safety Standards Series No. TS-R-1 (ST-1, Revised), Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material — 1996 Edition (Revised) (2003), and those of Safety Series No. 115, International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources (1996). It supersedes Safety Series No. 87, Emergency Response Planning and Preparedness for Transport Accidents Involving Radioactive Material (1988). Details
Image Development of an Extended Framework for Emergency Response Criteria: Interim Report for Comments
IAEA TECDOC Series No. 1432
This publication proposes for widespread comment an extension of the existing emergency response guidance. It addresses actions based on facility conditions; preventing deterministic effects from intake; individual decontamination; immediate medical treatment; long term medical follow-up; medical consultation, especially for pregnant women following an exposure during an emergency; and implementation of protective actions under difficult conditions. This guidance also includes a plain language explanation designed to assist decision makers when making and communicating their final decision on actions to be taken, and the public. This will form the basis for future international guidance. In addition, a revised and expanded technical basis for response to nuclear and radiological emergencies is presented that is based on an examination of the latest data. This includes: (a) proposed thresholds for severe deterministic health effects for the full spectrum of important radionuclides; (b) a consensus on the insights that can be drawn from the current knowledge of the development of stochastic health effects; and (c) epidemiological and statistical considerations. Details

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