Civil defence in a nuclear disaster

Abstract

Any nuclear war would be horrific and our main aim should be universal abolition of nuclear weapons. Civil defence, with its medical attributes, could certainly increase the survival rate should a disaster occur. The effect of the explosion of a nuclear warhead is outlined, together with what could be done to reduce casualties. Nuclear winter is discussed and it is suggested that the results of computerization of doubtful surmises have been treated too much as proven facts. The possibility of its occurrence should not deter emergency planning. Civil defence can save lives, and the fact that medicine as we know it would cease to exist in an all‐out nuclear war does not excuse us from doing what we can to increase the survival rate, if the worst should happen. Action should therefore be taken now to plan decentralization of resources and to instruct the public in protection, first aid and self‐sufficiency.

Key Words:

• Nuclear disaster
• Civil defence