Surviving radiation after a nuclear event requires both immediate protective action and long-term medical management. Radiation exposure can cause acute radiation syndrome, internal contamination, cutaneous injuries, and delayed effects such as cancer. The first step is to seek shelter in a reinforced or underground location to minimize exposure. Decontamination is critical—removing contaminated clothing and washing exposed skin reduces radioactive particles. Medical triage should focus on early signs of acute radiation syndrome, such as nausea and vomiting within hours of exposure. Supportive care, including hydration, antibiotics, and in some cases bone marrow stimulants, may be necessary. Survivors must also be monitored for long-term health effects, including organ damage and cancer risk.
Several authoritative resources provide guidance on radiation survival and treatment:
Medical Management of Radiological Casualties (AFRRI Handbook) – A concise military medical guide covering acute radiation syndrome, decontamination, and treatment. Available free as a PDF.
Radiation Emergency Medical Management (REMM) – Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the NIH, this is a free, open-access database with interactive tools for clinicians.
CDC Radiation Emergency Treatment Guide – Free resource offering clinical guidance for healthcare providers during radiation emergencies.
IAEA Medical Management of Radiation Injuries – A comprehensive international reference for medical personnel with detailed treatment protocols. This is a paid publication, costing approximately €57.
Medical Consequences of Nuclear Warfare (Borden Institute) – A U.S. Army textbook covering acute radiation syndrome, triage, and psychological effects. Available as a free digital download.
Mayo Clinic Guide on Radiation Sickness – Freely accessible online, offering a public medical overview of diagnosis and treatment.
Together, these resources form a critical foundation for understanding and managing radiation exposure. Free guides such as AFRRI, REMM, CDC, the Borden Institute’s textbook, and the Mayo Clinic provide accessible knowledge, while the IAEA publication offers a paid but highly detailed international perspective. By combining immediate survival steps with trusted medical references, individuals and communities can better prepare for the aftermath of a nuclear event.
