Development of a georeferencing software for radiological diffusion in order to improve the safety and security of first responders

This study deals with the need to develop analytical instruments to optimise rescue operations involving radiological exposure. It reports several aspects of analysis and characterisation of orphan radioactive sources. The protection problems in cases of detection and securing of radioactive sources are analysed, with particular attention to safety and security of operators and population from exposure, identification of attention areas, and detection of specific values of dose. After defining the characteristics of orphan radioactive sources, the authors examine the fundamental radiometric parameters. All these parameters have been integrated in a customised software, known as GREAT (Georeferenced Radiological Evaluation & Analysis Tool), that allows for rapid mapping of radiological risks by georeferencing of the data collected. Particular attention has been dedicated to the theoretical model and support tools aided to the choices of first responders. Radiological event, their consequences and the tools developed will be described by the authors in order to demonstrate the importance of this software for improvement of rescue operations.