Radiological History

1) It is important to corroborate or verify a credible exposure. 

2) Once verified, it is important to identify what mode(s) of exposure
the victim may suffered. The physical form of the radioactive source may
be helpful in determining mode(s) of exposure. 

3) It is important to understand factors such as exposure geometry,
distance from source and position(s) of the body during exposure, along
with duration of suspected exposure, Important for health physicists to
estimate an irradiation dose. It is important to know if the exposure
dose was prompt or protracted. 

4) It is important to identify the radioactive source involved, for the
radioisotope determines the type of radiation emission(s) to the victim.

5) The chemical form of the radionuclide may be important to identify
other chemical hazards associated with the radionuclide (e.g., UF6). The
chemical form will also determine the solubility of the radionuclide and
will dictate the relative usefulness of countermeasures. 

6) It would be useful to either know the source term (the total amount
of radionuclide) used, so that a maximum credible exposure can be
immediately estimated. This estimate of maximum credible exposure will
dictate the aggressiveness of how the radiation insult component should
be managed.