The individuals most affected by the earthquake and most exposed to post-earthquake physical trauma are earthquake victims rescued from beneath the rubble. Therefore, it is important that the initial intervention for earthquake victims is performed correctly and in a timely manner.
How Should the Initial Intervention for Earthquake Victims Be?
The condition of earthquake victims rescued from the rubble is related to the person's age, health status, and the severity of the trauma encountered. In expert evaluations, how the initial intervention for earthquake victims rescued from under the rubble should be performed, the organ injuries that may occur in these individuals, and the complications that may be seen after the earthquake are among the important issues.
It is stated that the initial intervention for earthquake victims rescued from the rubble should start with establishing an intravenous line and immediately initiating fluid therapy before the person is rescued from the rubble. Wearing a neck brace is also important to prevent serious problems such as paralysis caused by fractures in neck traumas.
Health Status of Earthquake Victims Rescued from the Rubble
The organs and health status of earthquake victims rescued from the rubble are related to the general condition and fitness of the individuals. According to expert evaluations, organ injuries are very common, especially in disasters such as earthquakes, and about 3 out of 4 injuries occur as a result of trauma. In blows to the head, skull, spine, and spinal cord traumas, a life-threatening situation may occur. In blows to the chest region, bleeding and puncture of the pleura can also be seen.
What Are the Complications That Can Be Seen After an Earthquake?
Depending on how long the individuals coming out of the rubble stayed under it, there may be some complications that can be seen after the earthquake. Experts point out that one of the most important situations is bleeding that may occur as a result of injuries and blows to the abdominal region. Life-threatening situations may arise accordingly.
Most importantly, Crush syndrome occurs due to muscle crushing. Certain enzymes and proteins found in the muscle are released into the blood, and kidney failures occur as a result. The main determinants here are the person's condition, previous health status, and how much he was exposed to trauma.
The risk to life increases in individuals who remain under the rubble for a long time. While the pressure he was exposed to under the rubble and his health status vary from person to person, one of the most important problems is the condition developing due to the crushing in the rubble. Not only due to muscle crushing under the rubble, but muscles are crushed due to compression and lying for a long time, and bleeding occurs after the muscles are crushed.
This situation requires emergency intervention. A large proportion of individuals who remain under the rubble for a long time and are rescued receive acute renal failure and dialysis treatment. For individuals emerging from the rubble after a long time, an intravenous line must first be established, fluid therapy provided, and the airway secured.
How Is an Intervention Performed on a Person Emerging from Under the Rubble?
The initial intervention to be made to the person rescued from the rubble is very crucial, and this intervention must begin before he is rescued from the rubble. According to expert evaluations, the intravenous line and airway of the earthquake victim must be established and fluid therapy started immediately before he is rescued from under the rubble.
Particularly in neck traumas, sudden spinal cord injuries due to fractures and paralysis occur due to injuries. Wearing a neck brace is important in such cases. Following the rescue of the person, his initial intervention must be made, and along with a general examination, fluid therapy must be administered, and he must be urgently sent to a more relevant hospital.
When Does the Life-Threatening Danger Begin Under the Rubble?
The life-threatening danger under the rubble can vary depending on the severity of the trauma the person faces and the environment in which he remained under the rubble. In expert evaluations, it is pointed out that situations far beyond classical knowledge can be encountered in such events. It is also possible for situations deemed impossible to materialize. This situation depends entirely on the person and the environment in which he remained under the rubble. Therefore, it is not possible to give a definitive duration.
If the person remaining under the rubble is elderly and has some additional diseases along with it, the probability of survival may decrease. The life-threatening danger under the rubble is higher for small babies and the elderly. However, young and healthy individuals can remain under the rubble for a longer time. This situation also varies depending on the conditions under the rubble.
The first 3 days are very crucial. Intervening within the first 3 days increases the chance of success. However, miraculous rescues also happen. Therefore, the first 72 hours are of great importance.