Ho Chi Minh City conducts drills to respond to radiation and nuclear incidents.

On the morning of December 27th, Ho Chi Minh City organized a drill to respond to radiation and nuclear incidents in the city in 2025. The drill was held at the Cancer Hospital, Branch 2 (No. 12, 400th Street, Tang Nhon Phu Ward), with the participation of many forces: the Department of Science and Technology, the City Police, the City Command, the Department of Health, the Nuclear Center, hospitals, the 115 Emergency Center, etc.

This is considered a crucial step in the management of high-tech risks in Ho Chi Minh City, contributing to enhancing the capacity for prevention, preparedness, and ensuring safety for the country's largest city in the context of increasing activities using radiation technology.

The drill was held at the Cancer Hospital, Branch 2, with the participation of various forces.

According to Ms. Nguyen Hoang Bao Tran, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City, as the leading economic , science and technology and innovation center in the country, Ho Chi Minh City currently manages more than 1,600 radiation facilities, with over 3,000 medical X-ray devices, 866 industrial X-ray devices and more than 1,040 radioactive sources of various types.

Compared to the past, the number of radiation devices has increased by over 70%, and the number of radioactive sources has increased by nearly 160%, making the city the leading locality nationwide in the application of radiation technology in medicine , industry, and research and training.

The drill scenario involved a collision during the transportation of a radioactive source, attracting significant attention from passersby...

However, alongside the immense benefits of radiation and nuclear technology, the use of radiation and radioactive sources also carries the risk of accidents that can affect human health, the environment, and social safety if not managed and responded to promptly.

Ms. Nguyen Hoang Bao Tran stated that in recent years, the city has experienced several radiation incidents, mainly related to the loss or entanglement of radioactive sources, the discovery of unclaimed radioactive sources, or illegal imports. These incidents have all been handled promptly and have not caused serious consequences. However, the risk of radiation incidents combined with complex situations such as traffic accidents, fires, explosions, and building collapses is entirely possible in reality.

Traffic police and law enforcement officers were present to maintain security and order at the scene...

However, radioactive gases and pharmaceutical substances have leaked out.

Therefore, response efforts cannot rely solely on one force, nor can they be limited to written documents and procedures, but must be validated through practical exercises that closely reflect the situation, the location, and the capabilities of each unit on a regular basis.

The simulated scenario involved a collision during the transportation of Iridium-192 (Ir-192) radioactive sources and radiopharmaceuticals for the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital. This was a very realistic situation, as the transportation of radioactive sources for medical purposes is a regular need, closely linked to the provision of medical care to the public.

Fire and rescue forces arrived at the scene to control the gas and prevent explosions...

At the scene, forces will deploy a series of operational measures such as cordoning off the area, measuring radiation levels, recovering and isolating the radiation source, providing first aid to affected people, and ensuring security, order, and traffic safety.

The exercise involves the participation of many specialized forces including: the City Command, the City Police, the Fire and Rescue Force, the health sector, and technical units specializing in radiation safety, as well as the power company. Specialized vehicles and equipment such as vehicles for transporting radioactive sources, ambulances, dose rate measuring devices, personal dosimeters, and protective clothing will be mobilized to the maximum extent to support the exercise.

Firefighting and rescue forces use special substances to control gases and potential fires.

Warning signs indicating a potential radiation hazard have been posted to prevent people from entering the area...

Through the exercise, the city set very specific goals: to test the suitability of response plans; to assess the capacity to use equipment for measuring, isolating, and controlling radioactive contamination; to evaluate the ability to command, manage, and coordinate inter-agency efforts; and most importantly, to hone the reflexes, courage, and sense of responsibility of each individual when an incident occurs.

Finally, special forces, working together, arrived at the scene to handle the situation and ensure safety...

The exercise was organized with the primary goal of raising awareness and responsibility among agencies and units in ensuring radiation safety and the security of radioactive sources. Besides honing the skills of departments and agencies, the exercise also provided an opportunity for authorities to assess achievements and shortcomings. Based on these results, the city will supplement, adjust, and update the response plan to suit current practical conditions.

During the drill, the procedures were carried out quickly, safely, and synchronously. In particular, absolute safety was ensured for the lives and property of the people as well as the participating forces…

Source: https://cand.com.vn/Xa-hoi/tp-ho-chi-minh-dien-tap-ung-pho-su-co-buc-xa-va-hat-nhan-i792422/