Region 7 Disaster Health Response Ecosystem (R7DHRE)

Radiation and Emergency Response Awareness for Healthcare Workers

Course Title: Radiation and Emergency Response Awareness for Healthcare Workers

Faculty

Frank Rutar, MS, CHP

Angela Leek, PhD, CHP

Audience

Nurses, physicians, EMS, and other healthcare providers (hospital and pre-hospital)

Course Overview

Radiation emergencies are rare, but they can occur in any community — from accidents at nuclear power plants, to incidents involving radioactive materials in transport, to intentional acts such as radiological dispersal devices, and even nuclear detonations. Healthcare providers may be called on to care for patients, reassure the public, and protect themselves while doing so.

This training is designed to give frontline hospital and EMS professionals the knowledge and confidence to respond safely. The module breaks down radiation concepts into practical, easy-to-understand pieces, focused on what matters most in patient care and emergency response.

What You’ll Learn

•         Basics of radiation and risk

•         Exposure vs. contamination: understanding the difference, and what it means for safety and patient management

•         Protective measures: applying time, distance, and shielding to reduce exposure

•         Patient care priorities for radiation incidents

•         Healthcare priorities: lifesaving medical treatment first, patient decontamination when needed, and use of protective equipment and surveys

•         Facility readiness: preparing your hospital or EMS agency with the right tools, policies, and partnerships

•         Resources: where to go for guidance in real-world events, including radiation subject matter experts, REMM, REAC/TS, and RITN

Why This Training Matters

Radiation may feel unfamiliar or intimidating, but the principles are straightforward. With basic knowledge and awareness, healthcare providers can safely deliver patient care, protect themselves and their teams, and support community response.

Whether you work in a hospital emergency department, on an ambulance, or in another healthcare setting, this course will help you:
• Separate myth from fact about radiation risks
• Identify key priorities for patient treatment in radiation emergencies
• Know where to find credible resources and expert support

Format

The module is delivered online and self-paced. It combines clear explanations, practical examples, and visuals to help simplify complex concepts.

Estimated time to complete: ~1 hour

Planning Committee

• Angela Ling, MSN, FNP-C

• Jason Levy, MS

• Lauryn Burbridge, BSEM, EMT

• Shelly Schwedhelm, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

Financial Support

This project is funded by the HHS ASPR Award# 6 HITEP 180041-01-23.