Radiological Defence Course

The key to surviving nuclear attack outside the direct blast area is the ability to monitor and predict radiation fallout in the days and weeks ahead. Radiological Defence Officers gain the ability to analyse radiological data from instruments and reports and to make recommendations to municipal or other authorities concerning necessary remedial measures.

Typically, the Radiological Defence Officers (often attached to a municipal or community headquarters) may be responsible for advising the head of government, the operations staff and the heads of the emergency services regarding:

a) The current radiation situation .

b) The future radiation situation and the likely radiation doses.

c) The areas where public and operational activity must be controlled in order to minimize radiation doses.

d) The areas where operational activities may be performed and the areas where the public may be permitted to move about freely.

e) The length of time people in various locations must remain in shelter, when they can emerge, for how long, etc.

f) When outdoor operations can be conducted, where, and for what lengths of time.

g) The types of controls and remedial measures required in the more seriously affected areas, including such questions as when evacuation should be undertaken.

The execution of these responsibilities will involve the collection and collation of radiological information  into an intelligent picture of the radiation situation.