Warday

ATCEN/DC/35A.1038

VOICE TRANSMISSION FROM CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL/ATLANTA TO ALL REGIONAL OFFICES [CONFIRMATION BY COURIER]

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION TO STATE/MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS

30 OCTOBER 1988

Recent Soviet bombing of U.S. cities of San Antonio, Washington, D.C., New York area, and Upper Central and Western states creates unprecedented numbers of dead and whole-body radiation-induced injuries.

Immediate burial and/or destruction of dead is imperative in order to contain spread of disease. Wherever possible, mass burial with suitable chemical agents is recommended. Civilian populations should be warned of disease potential.

Triage procedures must be implemented to assist individuals with radiation-related injuries. First-degree thermal radiation burns, i.e., “flash burns,” are likely to occur to exposed individuals within 30 miles of detonation point given estimated Soviet weapon yield of 9–10 Megatons. Second- and third-degree burns are likely in unprotected individuals in 15–25-mile range. Appropriate medical treatments should be as prescribed for injuries of this type.

Nuclear radiation injuries caused by gamma rays and neutrons are most serious, and high dosage can be life-terminating.

Populations in two-mile radii from detonation points might have received 1,000+ rems. Critical level is 400–500 rems where radiation symptoms are strongly evident and casualty rate is 50 percent or higher. Exposures below 200 are not believed life-threatening and little treatment is recommended. Death rate at 1000+ is almost 100 percent.

You are requested to provide every assistance possible to medical authorities to facilitate treatment of victims. Further triage instructions will follow.

William T. Adcock, M.D.

Director ATCEN/DC

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