Sequelae in doses less than 1 to 2 Gy can take more than two weeks to manifest. In a mass casualty producing event, those with mild doses of 1-2Gy without trauma, could be observed as outpatients and evacuated using non-medical platforms. These casualties should be continually observed and regularly re-evaluated for deteriorating health status. Casualties exposed to moderate to severe doses (>2Gy) should be hospitalized and prioritized for evacuation to reach specialty care prior to onset of manifest illness. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment for patients in the prodromal phase of ARS and can be managed at Roles 1-3, or in a prolonged field care setting, while pending evacuation.
Therapy which may be necessary pending movement to definitive care is outlined In Table 9. Consider early consultation with hematology/oncology and/or the advisor line for symptom management/treatment of acute radiation syndrome.