Light Em Up: 5-Minute Radiation Safety for the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Emergency Department Physician

Radiation safety is often considered a HALO (high acuity, low occurrence) event for most ED physicians. It lives somewhere between “important in theory” and “I’ll look it up if it ever happens.” However, the recent geopolitical climate has shifted that calculus. The risk of a radiological and nuclear (R/N) incident is no longer purely hypothetical. When they do occur, emergency departments are the frontline, and ED physicians are on the hook to manage this complex emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us what happens when rare, high-impact events suddenly become operational realities. First responder systems were forced to adapt in real time, often without the luxury of formal, longitudinal training. In that environment, brief, high-yield, “just-in-time” education became essential, particularly for clinicians who do not routinely work with radiation specialists. This presentation is designed with that reality in mind. In five minutes, we will walk through a realistic R/N incident, highlight the critical first steps in the field and in the ED, and clarify the most frequently asked questions of an R/N emergency. A key component will be a rapid simulation of receiving an injured patient contaminated with radioactive material, focusing on what practical, actionable decisions should be prioritized by the emergency department team. Audience members will leave with tangible pearls they can immediately use to educate learners and staff, and respond calmly and effectively in such a scenario. If you can manage a trauma, you can manage an R/N event; just follow the ABCs.