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Radiation sickness - Treatment

Alternative Names

Radiation poisoning

First Aid:

Only provide medical care if you have the appropriate protective gear to prevent contaminating yourself:

  1. Check the person's breathing and pulse.
  2. Start CPR, if necessary.
  3. Have the person's remove their clothing and place the items in a sealed container. This stops ongoing contamination.
  4. Vigorously wash body with soap and water.
  5. Dry the body and wrap with soft, clean blanket.
  6. Call for emergency medical help and take the person to nearest emergency medical facility.
  7. REPORT EXPOSURE TO EMERGENCY OFFICIALS.

If symptoms occur during or after medical radiation treatments:

  1. Tell the health care provider or seek medical treatment.
  2. Handle affected areas gently.
  3. Treat symptoms or illnesses as recommended by the doctor.

Do Not:

  • DO NOT remain in area where exposure occurred.
  • DO NOT apply ointments to burned areas.
  • DO NOT remain in contaminated clothing.
  • DO NOT hesitate to seek emergency medical treatment.
  • Reviewed last on: 1/8/2009
  • Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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