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Warning-sign checks

Radiation syndromes: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Treat a known or suspected major radiation exposure as an emergency.

    Contact emergency services or follow official emergency instructions if you were near a radiation accident, unshielded source, or nuclear event.

    Emergency assessment is especially important if exposure may have occurred and you develop:

    • Vomiting within hours
    • Confusion, collapse, a seizure, or trouble walking
    • Severe weakness, breathing difficulty, or loss of consciousness
    • Extensive skin redness, blistering, or burns
    • Uncontrolled bleeding or severe diarrhea
    • Radioactive dust, liquid, or fragments on the body or in a wound

    Emergency authorities may direct you to a specific screening or decontamination site.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    After the immediate event, seek urgent medical help for fever, new bleeding, worsening skin pain, spreading redness, pus, persistent vomiting, or inability to drink.

    These may indicate infection, blood-cell problems, or dehydration.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may include scheduled blood tests, wound reviews, eye checks, and discussion of fertility or long-term cancer screening.

    Keep these appointments even if you feel well, because some effects are delayed.

The article also says

Do not travel through a contaminated area unless instructed.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Radiation syndromes. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.