Peaceful uses of radiation in medicine, agriculture, and various industries benefit humankind and society. Thousands of radioactive materials are transported daily, by air and by ship, all over the world. It is mandatory that radiation is controlled by well-educated workers in accordance with strict regulations for safety. Although these measures reduce the risk of accidents/incidents to almost zero, it is impossible to eliminate radiological accidents/incidents themselves, as long as radiation is used. Meanwhile, the reality also exists that the threat of malicious acts involving radioactive materials has been increasing worldwide. Thus, preparing countermeasures against various radiological emergencies is equally important for all the countries in the world.
Radiation Emergency Medicine (REM) is one of the important medical fields that diagnoses and treats victims who received unforeseen radiation exposure by radiological accidents/incidents, based on correct knowledge and understanding about radiation. Despite its importance, medical professions scarcely have the opportunity of studying or understanding REM through their practical experience, because radiation accidents/incidents rarely occur. Therefore, global information sharing and the implementation of continuing education for medical professionals are especially effective in REM.
Department of Radiation Emergency Medicine has two major functions. One is to diagnose and treat patients exposed with ionizing radiation or contaminated with radioactive materials who came to QST. This is performed in close collaboration with the hospital, health physics specialists, radiation safety specialists, and other relevant divisions. The department prepares the required medications, equipment and human resources. The departments also conduct follow-up study of past accidents.
The other function of the department is training of staff planned to engage in radiation emergency medicine. It also registers all related courses and participants in Japan with a database.