Self Indicating Instant Radiation Alert Dosimeter (SIRAD) Badges
The Technical Support Working Group initially developed the SIRAD Badge as an affordable and immediate means of detecting exposure to radiation for use by Emergency Responders and Military personnel. The original design has been improved and now is available as the RADTrage Badge.
RADTriage is a passive, disposable dosimeter that changes color upon exposure to a medically significant radiation dose. Its convenient format and low cost allows for pre-distribution and stockpiling to provide immediate indication of any significant radiation exposure. This provides reduced anxiety and response delays when exposure is low, and support for tactical response decisions when exposure is high.
RADTriageTM, a part of the SIRAD ® Self-Indicating (color developing) Instant Radiation Alert Dosimeter family, is a user-friendly, storable, always ready without a power source, disposable radiation dosimeter for monitoring high doses (roughly 2-1,000 rads) of ionizing radiation. Approximately the size and thickness of a credit card, the device can be worn around the neck like an ID badge, clipped to a shirt pocket or carried in a wallet. When exposed to radiation from a “dirty bomb”, nuclear detonation or a radiation source, the sensing strip of SIRAD instantly develops a permanent/irreversible color change which is cumulative and proportional to dose. RADTriageTM allows the individual to immediately self-assess the dose to which they may be subjected. It provides the wearer and medical personnel instantaneous and accurate information on radiation exposure to assess the health risks to the victim and to guide treatment.
On February 22, 2007 the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate’s Counter Measures Test Beds published the Self-Indicating Instant Radiation Alert Dosimeter (SIRAD) Test Results Final Report * on a field test with 800 first responders for one year. The test results provide confirmation that SIRAD Technology is appropriate for use in radiological exposures. As stated in the report - The device fills a technology gap for first responders as they do not routinely carry radiation dosimetry. RADTriage is a passive, disposable dosimeter that changes color upon exposure to a medically significant radiation dose. Its convenient format and low cost allows for pre-distribution and stockpiling to provide immediate indication of any significant radiation exposure. This provides reduced anxiety and response delays when exposure is low, and support for tactical response decisions when exposure is high.
RADTRIAGE badges may be ordered from Crowe and Company at http://www.croweandco.com.
*The referenced DHS test report may be obtained via e-mail request to techtrans@tswg.gov.