THE RADTIMER

Analyses of possible terrorist attack scenarios have highlighted the importance of maintaining well-informed first responder units. These units must know if an emergency event involves biological, chemical, or radiological agents in order to properly secure the site, initiate countermeasures, and minimize the event’s impact on the public. First responders use detection instruments to understand the nature of an attack, and protective equipment to ensure they can operate safely in a contaminated area. However, even a wellequipped first responder must eventually leave a contaminated area or risk permanent harm. Although sophisticated radiation detection instruments are available, these are designed primarily for radiation protection experts (e.g., Health Physicists). However, because most first responders are not trained at this level there is an urgent need for a simple device that can rapidly assess and communicate the radiation risk without requiring training users in the use of highly specialized instruments. First responders require a continuous update of the time remaining in which they can work safely in a radiation environment. The RadTimer, a reusable, portable self-reading dosimeter, was developed because such limits are often unclear. This easy to use, body-worn, time/dose rate/total dose counter calculates and continuously updates the time a person may remain in a radiation exposure area before a predetermined dose is reached. This paper will outline the physics behind the RadTimer and describe the mechanics which inform the wearer of the time remaining before a hazardous site must be evacuated. Next, it will list possible interfaces of the RadTimer with other instruments used by first responders. Possible applications of the RadTimer in safeguards will then be discussed. Recommendations on how to introduce the RadTimer to all first responder units will conclude the paper.