Assessing Patient Demographics and Emergency Response Adaptation in a Primary-Level State Hospital Following the 6 February Türkiye Earthquakes

Abstract

Aim: On 6 February 2023, a series of earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.8, 6.6, and 7.6 struck the south-eastern region of Türkiye within a span of 10 hours, starting from 04:00 am. These earthquakes resulted in a devastating loss of life, with casualties exceeding 50,000 across 10 provinces. The destruction caused by these earthquakes was widespread with the collapse of many buildings, including hospitals. This study aimed to assess the patient demographics and emergency response adaptation in a primary-level state hospital following the 6 February Türkiye earthquakes. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Reyhanlı State Hospital, which remained largely unaffected by the earthquakes. The hospital faced challenges in providing medical care due to the loss of staff, damaged infrastructure, and limited resources. A volunteer orthopaedic surgery team, along with other medical professionals, provided treatment to the earthquake victims. The patient data was collected from the conventional record book of the operating room. Results: From 6 to 12 February 2023, a total of 111 surgeries were performed at the hospital, with 92 (%83) being earthquake-related. Orthopaedic surgeons operated on most of the patients. The most common surgeries included fasciotomies, amputations, and fracture fixations. The surgeries were performed in a time-sensitive manner, with immediate life- and extremity-saving procedures prioritized. The hospital's infrastructure challenges and the lack of digital recording systems hampered the data collection process. Conclusion: The study highlights challenges faced by a primary-level Hospital during the earthquakes. Our indings stress the importance of preparedness, infrastructure, and efficient patient records for effective emergency healthcare during natural disasters. Lessons learned can aid future plans for better emergency medical care in earthquake-prone regions.