MEDICAL RESPONSE TO A RADIOLOGICAL ACCIDENT INVOLVING AN IRIDIUM-192 SOURCE IN NANJING, CHINA.

On 7 May 2014, a radiological accident involving a lost 192Ir source occurred in Nanjing, China, and overexposure of a worker occurred. After the accident, several national agencies specialized in medical response to radiation emergencies collaborated to carry out clinical case management and to offer psychological assistance to the affected workers and members of the public. In this article, the medical management of the victim is summarized and outcomes are shared in order to improve medical preparedness and response for a nuclear or radiological emergency. This case demonstrated that providing rapid, accurate, credible and consistent information to the public through the media, public health education and psychological assistance to the affected workers and members of the public, contribute to mitigation of psychological impact of such emergencies.