福島県医科大学放射線災害医療センター

The Radiation Disaster Medical Center was established in Fukushima Medical University Hospital in June 2012 as a part of the Fukushima Recovery Vision Plan in response to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) accident, which followed the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011.
As a secondary radiation emergency medical institute on the Japan Nuclear Emergency Plan, we have cooperated with various fields of clinical medicine including emergency medicine,radiation medicine, internal medicine, and surgery. Now, we prepare for possible accidents associated with the ongoing reactor decommissioning, as well as other radiation emergencies in the Fukushima Prefecture, We are currently supporting the creation of medical preparedness system assuming the possibility of an unexpected nuclear accident of a similar scale, while providing medical advice and contributing to the study on health risks from chronic low-dose radiation exposure. Another important mission of our center is the development of human resources. We provide medical education and training for undergraduate and postgraduate students and promote domestic and international commitment in the field of radiation emergency and disaster medicine.

１．Radiation/Nuclear Disaster Medicine

Medical responses are provided for injured or diseased nuclear plant workers when they are exposed to radiation or contaminated with radionuclides. We have so far received 12 patients, including 9 who were diseased or injured inside the NPP. after the Nuclear accident, We are prepared for possible radiation emergencies. Preparedness measures include education of medical students and professionals in and outside Fukushima Medical University Hospital, which is aimed at providing relevant information and developing and improving radiation medical response systems.

２．Radiation Health Consultation/Checkup

It is reported that those who are working to ensure the safety of residents of contaminated areas are inevitably exposed to health hazards and more likely to be physically and mentally stressed. We provide long-term physical and mental follow-up for nuclear crisis intervention professionals (e.g., firemen, policemen, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force [JGSDF]). In general health consultation, we,FMU staffs, were visited by approximately 1000 residents for health checkups or consultations by the end of 2014.

３．Information Provision and Sharing

We provide evidence-based scientific information intended for residents with different levels of concerns related to nuclear disasters. We also engage in interactive communication with residents to address diverse issues stemming from their different personal and social backgrounds and work in conjunction with them to develop solutions for each individual case. Each year, we have been invited to over 1,000 lectures and seminar-style meetings. However, since May 2012, we focus more on individual consultations to meet the most recent individual needs.