Minor Injury and
Radioactive Contamination

Accidents involving radioactive contamination and injuries which are not life threatening may be treated with less urgency. However, as in the case of very serious injury, you must assess the medical condition and give first aid immediately. Once it is determined that the injury does not require transport to Yale New Haven Hospital Emergency Room, the following guidelines should be followed in responding to such emergencies.

1. Evaluate the nature of the injury. Give first aid immediately.
2. Wear rubber gloves and sponge and/or flush the contaminated area if possible. Be careful not to spread contamination.
3. During normal working hours contact:

RADIATION SAFETY 785-3555

OR

CAMPUS POLICE 911 OR 432-4400

During off hours contact:

CAMPUS POLICE 911 OR 432-4400

4. Give details of the accident, the radioactive material present, your location, your name, and your phone number.
5. Radiation Safety will provide you with instructions for dealing with the accident.
6. If it is necessary to transport an individual to the Yale New Haven Hospital Emergency Room, the New Haven Fire Department will provide the transportation. The exact details of this transfer will depend on the extent of the injuries and radioactive contamination present. An individual with a minor injury should not be taken to the hospital emergency room without first contacting Radiation Safety for guidance.
7. Remove any contaminated clothing and decontaminate as instructed by Radiation Safety.

Prevent the spread of contamination by isolating and sealing the accident area. Keep people out! Shut down ventilation if possible.