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When the fire alarm sounded, on-site firefighters and rescue personnel responded quickly, deploying equipment and coordinating with hospital staff to extinguish the fire and evacuate the injured. The doctor on duty reported the incident and requested emergency assistance. |
The Hue Department of Science and Technology organized the drill, simulating a fire in the hotlab of the Nuclear Medicine Department at Hue General Hospital. The department stores iodine-131, a radioactive isotope.
The fire, of unknown origin, engulfed about 40 square meters of the hotlab but did not spread to other areas. Smoke rose 10-15 meters high. The incident damaged the room's structure, scattered debris, injured several staff members, and left one person in shock. Radioactive contamination was found in several locations within the room, and some victims showed signs of contamination on their clothing.
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The intensity of the fire prevented hospital response teams from accessing the hotlab, forcing them to establish a safety perimeter 30 meters from the scene. Police secured the outer perimeter, restricting public access and requiring all hospital staff to evacuate. |
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Upon receiving the report, the Hue City Police Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police mobilized forces to the scene, deploying firefighting and rescue operations. Officers wore specialized protective gear to prevent radiation exposure. |
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During firefighting efforts, police discovered an unconscious victim within the incident area and quickly retrieved them. |
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Medical personnel examined the victims. Those with serious injuries were transported by ambulance to a higher-level hospital for treatment. |
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Medical staff used specialized equipment to check the radiation levels of potentially exposed victims. |
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Hue City Department of Science and Technology personnel used dose rate measuring equipment to assess airborne radiation levels. They then adjusted and expanded the safety perimeter and posted radiation hazard warning signs. |
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Chemical troops from the Hue City Military Command participated in the remediation, collecting radioactive source containers and contaminated objects, and preparing equipment for decontamination and environmental restoration. |
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After completing the decontamination of the area and contaminated equipment, the firefighting and radiation incident response teams removed their protective gear and exited for contamination checks. |
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After the incident was handled, the on-scene commander gathered the participating forces at the command post for a debriefing. Upon conclusion of the drill, the Radiation Incident Response Command will meet with relevant units to assess the causes, draw lessons in command, control, and coordination, and determine responsibilities and address any arising issues. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Vice Chairman of Hue City, assessed the drill as safe and praised the smooth coordination among the forces in handling the situation.
Vo Thanh
