In the high-speed environment of a hospital, patients move through departments like a whirlwind. But there is one room where the world slows down, the lights go dim, and a patient is often alone with a single healthcare professional: the imaging suite.

While doctors and nurses handle the immediate clinical triage, Radiologic Technologists (RTs) occupy a unique, tactical position in the fight against human trafficking. Often, an X-ray or CT scan is the first—and sometimes only—moment a victim is separated from their “handler.”

Here is why RTs are truly the first line of defense:

1. The Power of “The One-on-One”

In most medical encounters, a patient is surrounded by a team or accompanied by a family member (who may actually be a trafficker). However, the imaging room is a controlled environment. Due to radiation safety protocols, “handlers” are almost always asked to wait outside.

This creates a window of safety. For those few minutes, the RT is the only person the victim can speak to without fear of immediate retaliation. This brief solitude is often the only opportunity a victim has to signal for help.

2. Seeing What’s Under the Surface

Radiologic Technologists literally see what others cannot. Beyond the primary reason for an exam (like a broken bone), an RT might notice “clinical red flags” that tell a much darker story:

• Healing Fractures: Multiple injuries in different stages of healing (suggesting chronic abuse).
• Foreign Objects: Radiopaque items or “track marks” that don’t align with the patient’s history.
• Branding: Evidence of physical tattoos or scars that denote “ownership.”
• Inconsistent Stories: A patient claiming they fell, while the imaging shows an injury consistent with defensive posturing or blunt force.

3. The Art of Observation

Traffickers are masters of manipulation. They often speak for the patient, insist on staying in the room, or display aggressive “protective” behavior. RTs are trained to notice these behavioral cues:

• The patient avoids eye contact.
• The patient appears malnourished or dressed inappropriately for the weather.
• The “guardian” is overly controlling or possesses the patient’s ID and documents.

Taking Action: The RT’s Responsibility

Being the “first line of defense” doesn’t mean playing detective or confronting a suspected trafficker. That can be dangerous for both the technologist and the victim. Instead, the role is to Observe, Document, and Report.

Professional Tip: Every facility has a protocol. Know your “Code” for human trafficking. Whether it’s alerting a forensic nurse, a social worker, or hospital security, your job is to bridge the gap between the imaging table and the help they need.

Resources for Healthcare Professionals

If you suspect a patient is a victim of trafficking, follow your institutional policy immediately. You can also utilize these national resources:

National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888 or Text “HELP” to 233733.

HEAL Trafficking: Specialized toolkits for health professionals.

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AHEC’s Human Trafficking Prevention Courses

The Human Trafficking Prevention course is taught by Damon Jackson, a seasoned educator with over 20 years of classroom and hands-on instruction experience, more than 15 years in law enforcement, and a long-standing faculty position at Advanced Health Education Center. Those who have attended his courses know the passion and enthusiasm he brings to his teaching, and we are confident this comprehensive course will be both informative and engaging for all healthcare professionals.

This course is designed to equip healthcare professionals, including radiologic technologists, with the skills and knowledge needed to recognize and assist victims of human trafficking.

Course Highlights

• Define human trafficking and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000
• Differentiate trafficking vs. smuggling
• Identify types of trafficking and risk factors
• Understand traffickers’ profiles and recruitment tactics
• Examine global and local trafficking statistics
• Recognize the health impact of trafficking, including common injuries and signs
• Learn patient-centered approaches, appropriate language, and documentation practices
• Develop an identification checklist for potential trafficking victims

Access resources for healthcare professionals to recognize, intervene, and refer trafficking victims, including the National Human Trafficking Hotline and other state-specific agencies

By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of human trafficking in the U.S., be better equipped to identify victims in healthcare settings, and gain practical tools to assist in reporting and intervention.

Join us in this essential training to strengthen your skills as a healthcare professional and contribute to the fight against human trafficking. Click HERE for more information.