Course Aim

This course provides instruction and training sufficient to underpin the execution of the role of ambulance Radiation Protection Supervisor.

The primary role of the RPS is to act as a point of reference for the Trust/Ambulance personnel in the event of incidents involving, or with the potential to result in, exposure to ionising radiation and to co-ordinate response to that incident in line with agreed protocols.

In particular, the course aims to provide a level of understanding sufficient to ensure that the existence, magnitude of potential hazard and potential significance of any radiation hazard is properly identified and agreed protocols for dealing with such events can be implemented as appropriate.

In addition, the training should be sufficient to ensure that post holders have a knowledge and understanding of the issues sufficient to allow meaningful dialogue with external experts/consultants when required.

Note: The competence of candidates to carry out the role of RPS will be assessed at the conclusion of the course. Achieving competence does not automatically grant the position of Radiation Protection Supervisor – this is a decision of the employing trust.

Module 1: Radiation Protection Basics

• Basic concepts of ionising radiation
• Radiation quantities and units
• Radiation hazards – Health effects
• Radiation hazards – Doses in perspective
• Radiation measurement – Use of EPD / dose rate and contamination monitors
• Radiation measurement  – Relevance of measurement results
• Group exercises
• Radiation uses
• Practical protection – Protection from internal exposures
• Practical protection – Protection from external exposures
• Accident case histories

Module 2: UK Regulation and Supporting Schemes

• Overview of UK Regulation and Supporting Schemes
• Dose limitation – Occupational
• Dose limitation – Emergency
• Dose limitation – Patients and carers
• Key requirements of IRR99
• The transport of radioactive material

Module 3: Hazard Recognition and Situation Analysis

• Industrial/transport/medical incidents  – Foreseeable, mitigation, consequences
• Civil nuclear incidents – Nuclear emergency plans
• CBRN – Possible scenarios

Module 4: Trust Policy and Protocols

• Trust policy and protocols
• Review of Modules 1 and 2
• Introduction to group exercises  – Credible scenarios requiring implementation of course material
• Group exercises
• Discussion following group exercises
• Final discussion and course feedback

Module 5: Assessment of Competence

• Assessment

This course is aligned to the following NHS Commissioning Board Core Standards for EPRR which will assist Ambulance Trusts in meeting these standards by providing relevant educational modules:  

On completion of the training candidates should:

• Understand the nature and properties of ionising radiation
• Be familiar with terminology used in radiation protection
• Be aware of and understand the potential hazards associated with ionising radiations and have an understanding of the concept of ALARP.
• Understand the basic principles of practical protection
• Have a general awareness of the range of applications of ionising radiation in industry and medicine
• Have an awareness of the categories of possible radiation incidents – industrial, nuclear, malicious (CBRN ) etc. and their likely consequences
• Understand how radiation measurements can be made in the field and know how to use, and interpret results obtained from, instrumentation available to the ambulance trusts.
• Know and be familiar with agreed national strategy/protocols for dealing with radiation incidents and understand the importance of adhering to specified procedures.

Note: The competence of candidates to carry out the role of RPS will be assessed at the conclusion of the course. Achieving competence does not automatically grant the position of Radiation Protection Supervisor – this is a decision of the employing trust.

The course maps to the following HART National CPD Modules:

• IRU/11a DIM – Radiation
• IRU/11b DIM – Electronic Personal Dosimeter
• IRU/11d DIM – RAM GENE

This training is aimed specifically at those within the NHS ambulance service who are preparing for appointment to the role of Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS).

For the purposes of this training, no prior knowledge of the subject of radiation protection is assumed.

Candidates will be employed within the NHS ambulance service and will be preparing for appointment to the role of Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS).