General Concepts of Damage Control Surgery

**3**

**Chapter 1**

**Abstract**

**1. Introduction**

agement following exposure [1–3].

Medicine

*and Thomas J. FitzGerald*

Radiation Injury and Emergency

*James Shen, Linda Ding, Kevin O'Connor, Ameer Elaimy,* 

*Suhong Yu, Harry Bushe, Jonathan Saleeby, Kenneth Ulin,* 

*I-Lin Kuo, Yankhua Fan, Maryann Bishop-Jodoin, Paul Rava* 

The discovery of radiation has led to many advances. Guidelines have been created to minimize radiation exposure and treatment management following both unintentional and intentional exposure. The effects of radiation exposure on specific tissues varies. Tragic consequences can result, ranging from severe, acute injury to long- lasting effects that present years after the initial exposure. In this chapter we provide observations that demonstrate the importance of understanding guidelines to minimize radioactive exposure and the expectations and treatment management following exposure. For the safety and well-being of patients, health care professionals need to remain well-informed to minimize the risks of this tool.

Our understanding of toxicity associated with exposure to radiation has increased since the discovery of X-rays in 1895. X-rays were used to treat a variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases. The effects of radioactive exposure on specific tissues can vary. Radioactive particles destroy or impair tissue by generating free radicals that damage important molecular structures, such as DNA. Radiation exposure can lead to catastrophic consequences, ranging from severe, acute injury to long-lasting effects that manifest years after the initial exposure. This chapter provides observations that demonstrate the importance of understanding guidelines to minimize radioactive exposure, and the expectations and treatment man-

Exposure to radioactive particles is divided into intentional or unintentional causes. Notable intentional causes include the atomic weapons activated on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan during World War II. The immediate injuries and fatalities were from the heat and mechanical force generated by the trauma and physical destruction. However, it became apparent that there were longer lasting consequences. Survivors in the surrounding area were exposed to high levels of radiation and suffered from acute toxicity injuries and organ failure. Many of those who did not

**Keywords:** radiation injury, emergency care and treatment

*Carla Bradford, Fenhong Liu, Abdulnasser Khalifeh,* 
