Interventions during and after an earthquake save lives. Everyone, from seven to seventy, needs to be conscious of the effects of the earthquake. Search and rescue efforts continue after the earthquake, which showed its effect in Kahramanmaraş and the surrounding provinces. On the methods that can be applied to the disaster victims during and after the earthquake and what can be done while under the debris in a possible earthquake, Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Abdullah Serdar Fenercioğlu made statements.
THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE HYPOTHERMIA
exp. Dr. Fenercioğlu stated that after the earthquake, people can stay on the street until a place is allocated to protect them from aftershocks or because their houses are damaged, and said, “We are in the winter season, so the most important issue for earthquake victims is hypothermia. If the body temperature falls below 35 degrees, hypothermia occurs. In this case, the heart, nerves system and other organs cannot function normally. Since earthquake survivors cannot return to their homes, they cannot provide any of their needs such as clothes. At this point, it is very important to provide heaters, blankets and thermal clothing to those in need. It should not be forgotten that the victims are in a state of surprise and shock; It should be organized with the support of the state,” he said.
MORE ENERGY-GIVING CARBOHYDRATES MUST BE CONSUMED FOR NUTRITION
Stating that people who stay outside should consume plenty of fluids and that it would be right to consume foods containing carbohydrates that give more energy in terms of nutrition, Uzm. Dr. Fenercioglu said:
“People who were under debris and dents during the earthquake should take shelter in the triangles of life, as described by earthquake experts. What we call the triangle of life means taking shelter in areas that can protect you from debris, such as the refrigerator, washing machine or dishwasher, under tables supported by chairs. After taking this position, we expect help to arrive for a while. While waiting, it is necessary to try to move our hands and feet as much as possible to ensure blood circulation. If there is bleeding, we should apply a tampon to the bleeding area with our hands. Since we do not have a bandage or cotton with us and we are far from hygienic conditions due to dusty soil, we must stop the bleeding by pressing on the bleeding place.”
YOU SHOULD NOT KEEP THE PAIN PLACE FIXED
exp. Dr. Fenercioğlu said, “If there is a fracture or severe pain in the arm or leg, it is important not to move it. We need to keep the sore spot still and maintain our position. While being pulled out of the wreckage, the first thing to do is to open an vascular access as soon as the body is visible, if the arm can be accessed.”
“What we call crush syndrome occurs as a result of crushing injury, prolonged compression and immobility. Due to crushing, myoglobin is broken down in the body and settles in the kidneys, causing kidney failure. Without prompt and effective treatment, it can result in death. For this reason, if we can reach it while under the debris, we should try to drink water even if it is a sip. A person can live for a few days without food, but we cannot survive without water.”
NO PRINTING ON THE CHEST WALL
Adding that it should be taken into account that the patient with respiratory distress may have a lung injury, Uzm. Dr. Fenercioğlu said, “There should be no pressure on the chest wall and oxygen support should be provided, if any. If oxygen support cannot be provided, the people around should be removed a little and fresh air should be breathed.”
THESE MATERIALS MUST BE ADDED TO THE EARTHQUAKE BAG
exp. Dr. Fenercioğlu said, “We predict that an earthquake of this magnitude in metropolitan areas such as Istanbul may cause much greater losses. For this reason, we need to buy an earthquake kit by taking our precautions before the earthquake. Materials that can be used in sudden situations such as a bottle of water, a cotton ball, gauze should be put in this earthquake bag. In case of being under the debris, the position we are in may not be cramped, we can do our own intervention as first aid during this time we are waiting to be rescued. This way, we will have a much higher chance of surviving,” he concluded.
(DHA)