SUSTAINABLE MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE SYSTEM FOR RADIATION EMERGENCIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

This paper provides information about the medical preparedness and response system for radiation emergencies in Republic of Korea. The National Radiation Emergency Medical Center (NREMC) oversees medical affairs in the Korean radiological disaster prevention system since its establishment in 2002. It has dedicated itself to set up a nationwide radiation emergency medicine network with 24 designated radiation emergency hospitals. NREMC, as one division under the Korea Institute of Radiological And Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), provides efficient medical care to patients suspected with radiation exposure by collaborating with professional medical staffs in Korea Cancer Center Hospital (KCCH). For prompt response to radiation accidents, NREMC has offered specialized trainings for medical staffs and first responders. It has also operated the 24-h on-call system to consult public concerns of radiation exposure, which can be switched into an emergency mode upon receiving accident reports. In addition, NREMC has conducted dose assessments of radiation exposure with high level of accuracy and implemented R&D programs for radiation injury therapeutics and low-dose radiation risks evaluation in daily life. NREMC supports global initiatives for strengthening medical preparedness and response for radiation emergencies with international organizations.