Immediate medical consequences of nuclear accidents: lessons from Chernobyl

Journal Article · Fri Aug 07 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.258.5.625· OSTI ID:6019082

Gale, R P

The immediate medical response to the nuclear accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station involved containment of the radioactivity and evacuation of the nearby population. The next step consisted of assessment of the radiation dose received by individuals, based on biological dosimetry, and treatment of those exposed. Medical care involved treatment of skin burns; measures to support bone marrow failure, gastrointestinal tract injury, and other organ damage (i.e., infection prophylaxis and transfusions) for those with lower radiation dose exposure; and bone marrow transplantation for those exposed to a high dose of radiation. At Chernobyl, two victims died immediately and 29 died of radiation or thermal injuries in the next three months. The remaining victims of the accident are currently well. A nuclear accident anywhere is a nuclear accident everywhere. Prevention and cooperation in response to these accidents are essential goals.

• Research Organization: UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles
• OSTI ID: 6019082
• Journal Information: JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States), Vol. 258:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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