Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site
The Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) is a world-renowned, U.S. Department of Energy asset and a leader in emergency medical response to radiological/nuclear incidents, providing emergency response and subject matter expertise on the medical management of radiation incidents for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Office of Counterterrorism and Counterproliferation. REAC/TS is located at the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education in Tennessee and is operated for DOE by ORAU.
24/7 response capability for advice and consultation on radiological emergencies
REAC/TS maintains a 24/7 national and international radiation emergency response capability and provides continuing medical education and outreach exercises. REAC/TS courses annually reach thousands of health care professionals, emergency responders and health physicists worldwide. Topics address the medical management of radiological/nuclear incidents, as well as decontamination techniques through instructional and hands-on education.
REAC/TS also operates a unique laboratory that helps DOE close a critical gap in our nation's ability to respond to a radiological or nuclear incident. The REAC/TS Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory utilizes the “gold standard” dicentric chromosome assay, a proven technique that can be used to help calculate the absorbed radiation dose in exposed individuals.
Learn more about REAC/TS's unique emergency medical response capabilities:
Save the date: Software Tools for Triage of the Acute Radiation Syndrome: a practical workshop (StTARS) at REAC/TS in 2021
Within this workshop we will describe the purpose and function of software tools developed by scientific groups within NATO. These tools either allow an integrated estimation of dose (BAT, WinFRAT), or the prediction of ARS severity based on changes in blood cell counts (H-module) in the first days after an exposure to ionizing radiation.
After the introduction into these tools by experts who developed it, participants will practice their diagnostic skills by predicting clinically relevant degrees of the ARS using a database which includes real case histories—such as those arising from the Chernobyl incident and other accidental industrial exposures.
The workshop is planned to take place at REAC/TS around September/October 2021.
Stay tuned for registration information.
Guidance for Radiation Accident Management
This guide was created to assist emergency responders and receivers who may encounter patients with illnesses or injuries caused by ionizing radiation. The information addresses basic explanations and definitions related to ionizing radiation, and offers general guidance to those caring for patients both in the prehospital and the hospital setting. In addition to information necessary to appropriately care for these patients, procedural demonstrations are provided that address appropriate donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, removing contaminated clothing from a patient, and decontamination of wounds and intact skin.
Video Spotlight
What to do if you need to contact REAC/TS during an emergency?
If you might need to contact REAC/TS for assistance with a radiation exposure, please watch this video to know in advance what information will be helpful for us to address your questions and concerns.
Contact REAC/TS
If you need to contact REAC/TS for assistance with the medical management of those involved in a radiological/nuclear incident, please watch the video above "What to do if you need to contact REAC/TS during an emergency?" to know what information is helpful for us to address your questions and concerns.
General information 865-576-3131
General email reacts@orau.org
After-hours number 865-576-1005 (Ask for REAC/TS)