Structure of a Radiological Emergency Response Program

Author

P. Chowdhury

Abstract

The primary broad components of a radiological emergency response program may be divided into the following: (1) jurisdictional entities, (2) support resources, (3) executable response functions, and (4) modes of execution. Component 1 identifies various organizations to be involved in the program; component 2 identifies all the material objects that are necessary for nondisruptive execution of the program; to component 3 belong the clearly established broad "response functions" that will be executed in order to meet the program objectives; and, finally, under component 4 are gathered various modes that will trigger the "onset" of execution for the processes under the "response functions" to be carried out by different organizational entities that are part of the response program. Thus, when a predefined "mode of execution" triggers the onset of one or more actions, the involved "jurisdictional entities" execute the necessary "response functions" in the proper sequence with the help of one or more "support resources," making it more processdependent. The basic format of such structuring is simple; identifying all necessary functions requires the understanding of the "intra-agency" and "inter-agency" interaction protocol, scope and limitations of the assigned tasks, and organizational "modus operandi." Also, one individual or a group of individuals will, in most cases, perform multiple functions, and as such, it is extremely important that the attributes and relational bonds be carefully designed and clearly understood. The efficiency of the evolved structured program will, for the most part, depend on the articulation and mastery during the design phase of this part. A group of well-trained individuals must be maintained at all times through detailed and continuous training, which must be an integral part of this program. Once all the criteria are met and the structure is in place, the program automatically assumes a "process-dependent" nature and becomes "dynamic" in behavior through its characteristic "functional relationship."

Meeting

This abstract was presented at the 38th Annual Midyear Meeting, "Materials Control and Security: Risk Assessment, Handling, and Detection", Emergency Response Planning and Programs – Part II Session, 2/13/2005 - 2/16/2005, held in New Orleans, LA.

 
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