Our clinical experiences in the earthquake victims who came to our university after the 2020 Aegean Sea earthquake during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Earthquakes are natural disasters that threaten human life and cause loss of life and property in a very short time. In our study, we aim to carry out the medical analysis of the earthquake victims who came to our hospital after the Earthquake in the Aegean Sea and to share our clinical experiences.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients the medical data records of earthquake victims brought to our hospital or the injured who applied due to the Aegean Sea earthquake. Patients demographic data, their complaints and diagnoses, hour of admission, their clinical courses, hospital arrangements (admission, discharge, and transfer), time spent until the operation, anesthesia methods, surgical intervantions, intensive care needs, crush syndrome, presence of acute renal failure, number of dialysis, mortality, and mor-bidity were reviewed.

Results: A total of 152 patients were brought to our hospital due to the earthquake. The most intense period of admission to the emergency department was the 1st 24-36 h. Mortality rate was found to be higher depending on the increase of age. While the most common cause of admission for the mortal earthquake survivors was to be trapped in the wreckage, the survivors applied for other reasons as well such as falling down. The most common type of fracture observed in survivors was the lower extremity fractures.

Conclusion: Epidemiological studies can make an important contribution to the management and organization of the future earthquake-related injuries by healthcare institutions.

Figure 1

The relationship between the mortality status of the patients and the reasons for admission to the emergency department.