The main purpose of this report is to assist physicians involved in the early medical handling of radiation victims to apply prompt diagnostic measures and emergency treatment. Special emphasis is given to localized radiation injuries, which are the most frequently occurring direct health effects observed from ionizing radiation. The lessons learned from the accidents at Chernobyl (Ukraine, 1986), Goiânia (Brazil, 1987), San Salvador (El Salvador, 1989), Soreq (Israel, 1990) and Nesvizh (Belarus, 1991) on the early medical handling of radiation injuries have been incorporated into this report.