Title: Investigation of Radiation Emergency Medical Preparation Situation at Nuclear Emergency Core Hospitals and Nuclear Emergency Medical Cooperative Institutions
Abstract: In Japan, the Nuclear Emergency Response Guidelines were formulated in 2012, and Nuclear Emergency Core Hospitals and Nuclear Emergency Medical Cooperative Institutions are beginning to be established in various municipalities. In this paper, we report the actual conditions in terms of human resources and material preparations for radiation emergency medicine based on the results of a questionnaire survey conducted at these medical institutions. It was found that the capacity for exposed/contaminated victims at each Nuclear Emergency Core Hospital was approximately one or two persons. In addition, regarding the education of implementing staff, it was found that they expressed a need for education in a wide range of fields. It also became clear that there were problems with a lack of human resources including clerks, and the preparation of radiation measuring instruments. In future, it will be essential to maintain a nationwide radiation emergency medical education system, as well as to hold trainings to meet the various educational needs. In addition, strengthening the cooperation of each organization and improving the preparation of equipment related to radiation medicine will lead to development of a more effective nuclear disaster prevention system.