The American Society of Radiologic Technologists is asking lawmakers, government officials, health systems and other facilities to provide workplace and safety resources for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.

As there are reports of critical shortages of personal protective equipment including masks, gowns and eye protection, ASRT is asking stakeholders to expedite the distribution of PPEs to ensure the continued safety of radiologic technologists who face potential infection every day. See CDC guidelines for PPE during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Radiologic technologists are on the front lines of patient care and it’s vitally important that they have the right protective equipment to protect themselves and their patients,” said ASRT Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Sal Martino, Ed.D., R.T.(R), FASRT, FASAE, CAE. “Now is the time for all stakeholders to pull together and ensure health care professionals have the tools to do their jobs.”

ASRT encourages all radiologic technologists to contact state and federal lawmakers to ask them to expedite production and distribution of PPEs. Radiologic technologists can use the ASRT Advocacy Action Center to locate their state and federal lawmakers and contact them to request support.

In addition to communicating with key state and federal stakeholders, ASRT encourages technologists to follow proper infection control procedures. While social distancing may be incredibly challenging while working with patients, remember to follow social distancing practices during personal interactions with peers and other personnel in facilities.