The unique psychological aspects of mass casualty radiation disasters require an increased need for psychological first aid knowledge in the response community. Anyone who may respond to a radiation disaster, whether as a professional or as a volunteer must have an understanding of these aspects and how to best address them.
Psychological First Aid in Radiation Disasters increases awareness of the unique psychological consequences of disasters caused by a radiological or nuclear event so that clinical and public health professionals and volunteers will be better prepared to respond radiation emergencies. Following completion of the course, participants will be able to:
1. Define radiation disasters.
2. Describe the role of public health and the health community in radiation disasters.
3. Distinguish the unique psychological effects of radiation disasters.
4. Define skills and techniques used when performing Psychological First Aid in radiation disasters.
Psychological First Aid in Radiation Disasters is a self-study training that uses interviews conducted with experts involved in the Goiania and Three Mile Island incidents, and video scenarios that allow participants to observe how psychological first aid techniques can be employed in a variety of response settings.