Medical Response to the February 6, 2023, Earthquakes in Hatay: Challenges Faced in the Deadliest Disaster in the History of Türkiye.
Disaster Med Public Health Prep
; 18: e45, 2024 Mar 11.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38466322
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The Kahramanmaras earthquakes struck the north-eastern part of Türkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023. It is well known that timely coordination and provision of emergency medical care in the field is particularly important to save lives after earthquakes. This study aimed to identify the challenges faced by medical responders on the ground.METHODS:
This exploratory-descriptive qualitative study was conducted in Hatay, the province most affected by the earthquakes. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and field observations, and then analyzed using thematic analysis approach.RESULTS:
The study was carried out with 15 first responders from the medical profession. The study revealed 9 themes of challenges faced by medical responders providing safety and security, human resources management, meeting personal needs, recording data, communication, patient transport, burial procedures, psychological acumen, and logistical problems. Some problems were resolved after 72 h and some continued until day 7.CONCLUSIONS:
Inadequate organization of volunteer health workers, communication breakdowns, and logistical problems are some of the main challenges. To address these issues, satellite phones and radio systems can be promoted, as well as disaster-resilient logistical planning and better coordination of volunteers.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Planejamento em Desastres
/
Desastres
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Terremotos
Limite:
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Disaster Med Public Health Prep
Assunto da revista:
SAUDE PUBLICA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article