Any incident that involves the use of a chemical, biological or radiological or nuclear (CBRN) material can pose a substantial threat to not just human safety but also to the viability of a country's commercial and governmental infrastructure.
While the historical record of CBRN emergencies involving radiological or nuclear materials has so far been thankfully limited, the risk of a "low probability, high impact" event is nonetheless very real and something that must be prepared for.
Staying up to date with the science that supports radiological defence is a key priority for CBRN practitioners, whether they are operating within a military, civilian, governmental or research capacity.
While CBRN specialists will naturally be highly skilled in the subject areas that are directly relevant to their own area of focus, there can also be much benefit to be gained from expanding their knowledge base and in exploring new technologies.
The detection, location and prevention of illicit transportation of radiological materials is a vital factor in safeguarding communities and protecting critical infrastructure.
For law enforcement and first responders, the use of mobile radiation detectors and radiation detection portals are essential tools for the fast and accurate screening of potential radiation sources.
Maintaining operational readiness in the detection and identification of radiological and nuclear threats is a vital aspect of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) training, whether for the purposes of CBRN military defense, emergency management or nuclear safety and security.
The schooling is intensive, covering an array of practical, technical and scientific skills including reconnaissance detection, survey training, hazard plotting and the fundamentals of chemistry.
In the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency, prompt action by those working within the hospital environment can have a crucial role to play in protecting the health and safety of patients, staff and infrastructure.
Increasingly, there is the expectation that a hospital's medical physicist (MP) will be capable of stepping into a radiological emergency support role under the auspices of an Incident Command System (ICS).
Over the past decade, much effort has been focused on the creation of new technological solutions that support training in the prevention, detection and response to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) hazards.
In the US, the development of federally funded Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Civil Support Teams (CSTs) plays an invaluable role in supporting homeland defence by providing highly specialized CBRN identification, assessment, advisement and assistance during CBRN incidents.
Whenever there is the need to respond to an incident that involves the release of an uncontrolled source of radiation, a critical objective will be to minimise the risk of unnecessary exposure.
Radiological incidents where there is the potential for a significant release of radionuclides are many and varied - whether it be a transportation accident, a fire within a nuclear fuel manufacturing plant, or a terrorist act that involves the use of a radiological dispersal device (RDD) or improvised nuclear device (IND).
In the event of a known or suspected radiation accident or incident, the speed of response will be a critical factor in maximising the safety and wellbeing of people and the environment.
Understanding the nature and the significance of the radiation threat is key.
Radiation safety training is a core requirement for all personnel who are responsible for the handling, transportation, transfer or receipt of packages that contain radioactive materials.
In the US, the federal government's Department of Transportation (DOT) is the lead agency responsible for the planning and support of land, air and sea-based movement of hazardous materials (HazMat) shipments.
Additionally, the department also sets out the training requirements for all employees who are responsible for working in a HazMat capacity.
Incidents that involve the unexpected presence, the deliberate dispersal or the illegal trafficking of radioactive materials are rare.
However, for those tasked with border security, law enforcement or first response, the effectiveness with which they can identify, manage and contain a radiological hazard is crucial.
Whether dealing with the consequences of transportation accidents, major spills, trafficking or suspected terrorist activity, the actions taken in the first crucial minutes following a radiological event are pivotal.