Dr. Tsubokura's Radiation Lecture Vol.124

Author: Masaharu Tsubokura M.D., PhD.

Editors: Akihiko Ozaki M.D., PhD., Yuki Senoo

247 Preparedness Important, Evacuation System Modified

　　The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident provided a clear visual of the importance of an emergency response plan for a nuclear accident. Reflecting on the events that occurred during and after the nuclear accident, various countermeasures and preparations have been modified.

　Under the current nuclear emergency response system, the process of emergency preparation, radiation protection, and the schedule for evacuation orders during a nuclear accident differ depending on a location's distance from a power plant. In a nuclear emergency, residents within a 5-km radius from a power plant are required to evacuate before radioactive substances are released. On the other hand, evacuation orders for those living in areas within a 5- to 30-km radius of a power plant will be issued according to the air radiation dose rate measured in real time.

Evacuation is not limited to those in hospitals and nursing homes. It includes people who are receiving medical treatment at home, the elderly, people with disabilities, infants, and many others who cannot evacuate on their own. For this reason, it is necessary to develop evacuation plans, including preparing destinations for patient transportation and simulating transportation methods