Traumatic Stress Dispersal Device (CSTS)

The thought of an attack from a terrorist group using a Radiation Dispersal Device, RDD, is frightening, not just to the American people. An attack would cause uncertainty and absolute fear. According to the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, CSTS, acute psychological and behavioral responses will be as important as radiation treatment, following an attack (CSTS). Terrorist attacks do not just cause physical injuries, but mental and psychological damage as well. The Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995, killed 168 people including 19 children (Pfefferbaum, 1996). Even though this was not a radiological attack, it was still a domestic terrorist attack, which caused 40% of the people to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Individuals who are higher risk for psychological effects are: those directly exposed, those vulnerable before the event, and those who suffered losses and disruption of their social supports after the event (CSTS). Treatment for psychological casualties is just as important as first aid. The biggest thing for psychological first is actual good medical care (CSTS). According to the CSTS, psychological first aid includes: good rest/sleep, food and

The behavioral and psychological issues of a radiation attack from an RDD will outweigh the actual physical effects (CSTS). Decreased concentration, uncertainty, lack of sleep are some of the most common symptoms in relation to psychological effects from a major attack (CSTS). The best help for this will come from counseling, having survivors talk about the issues. After a major attack and safety is assured with survivors and the general public, debriefings can begin. These are favored following disasters, in which small groups of individuals involved in the disaster can express feelings and their individual experience with the disaster and how they are managing