DHS Regional Reachback: Rapid Expert Radiation Alarm Assistance.
Following assessments that attacks with radiological and nuclear weapons are possible, detection system deployments are being supported at national and local levels. Detection systems include both, highly sensitive but non-discriminating detectors, as well as detectors and algorithms capable of distinguishing and identifying gamma rays by energy. The latter systems, usually handheld systems based on sodium iodide detectors, also provide analysis of the specific radionuclides present and are referred to as radioisotope identifiers (RIIDs). Studies have shown that sodium iodide based RIIDs fall far short of 100% accurate identifications. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated the Regional Reachback (RRB) Program in 2006 to provide rapid expert interpretation of gamma spectroscopic data from radiation alarms from detection systems deployed by state and local authorities. With expert specialists on call 24/7, RRB provides an avenue for local and state authorities to verify routine results, interpret unknown identifications, and notify national response assets if needed. This paper will provide details of the RRE3 program, an outline of the analysis process, a description of the drills and training systems used to maintain specialists response performance, and examples of drills and incidents from the first full year of operation.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Department Of Homeland Security
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 935377
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-81327-2008-CP; R&D Project: 14300; 400904120; TRN: US200815%%694
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: INMM 49th Annual Meeting; Nashville, TN; 20080713 through 20080717
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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