ABSTRACT
Children have a higher chance of being contaminated by radioactive materials during a radiological or nuclear (RN) emergency. They are more sensitive to radiation health effects and suffer more significant psychosocial impacts than adults during emergency response. This paper presents a summary of recommendations on effective management of children during an RN emergency. These recommendations intend to be additional considerations for existing RN response protocols and procedures implemented at local, state/provincial, or national level.
Subject(s)
Disaster Planning/methods , Emergencies , Radiologic Health , Adult , Canada , Child , Decontamination , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Public Health Surveillance , Radiation Injuries/diagnosis , Radiation Injuries/psychology , Radiation Injuries/therapy , Radiation Monitoring , Radiation ProtectionABSTRACT
As early childhood educators who participated in the discussion of optimal scene management involving children and families in the event of a radiological/nuclear event, the authors would suggest consideration be given to the formal preparation for evacuation of educators and families and how to ensure that families are provided factual and updated information.