How long can people survive under the rubble?

The earthquakes that occurred in Kahramanmaras caused unprecedented destruction in our country. According to the latest AFAD statement, 12,391 citizens have died. 62,914 of our citizens were injured. However, on the fourth day of the earthquake, thousands of citizens are still lying under the rubble. For this reason, search and rescue operations in the earthquake area continue. Teams working hard to get at least one of our people alive from the rubble are achieving miraculous rescues that make millions happy and keep millions hopeful. On the fourth day of the great catastrophe, some of our citizens manage to get out from under the rubble and save their lives. However, in order to increase joy and hope, it is necessary to increase superhuman effort and reach the as yet inaccessible wreckage as soon as possible. Because time is working against our country, 85 million of our citizens who are under the rubble. Moreover, there are many important aspects that separate life and death under the rubble. So, how long can people hold out under the rubble, how long can they survive?

Many people can be rescued from the rubble of an earthquake in the first 24 hours.

For this reason, the period of time from the first moment of an earthquake to the next day is vital to rescuing people under the rubble. But history is full of stories of people being rescued alive from the rubble hours or even days later. On the other hand, experts state that there are many factors that affect the survival time of people under the rubble.

According to experts, the “location” of an earthquake victim is one of the most important determinants of survival time.

Of course, it is impossible to know when an earthquake will occur, at what time or when a building will collapse. For this reason, it is extremely difficult to prepare for the “moment” of an earthquake. However, experts state that the position of the victim of an earthquake in an emergency is closely related to the survival time.

The position and position of a person can provide protection and air access under the rubble.

In this direction, Murat Harun Ongören, one of the coordinators of AKUT, states that “adopting a collapse, trap and hold position can create space and air pockets that allow you to survive.” The “roll, grab and hold” position means to kneel at the moment of the earthquake, get under a solid object and wait firmly until the earthquake is over. Ongoren argues that training, drills and awareness of emergency measures are often overlooked, but all of these will determine a person’s lifespan.

World Health Organization (WHO) Doctor of Health Emergencies. Jetry Regmi drew attention to the importance of preparation and said:Taking shelter in a safe place, such as a sturdy table, can increase the chances of survival. This is unclear as each emergency is unique, but initial search and rescue efforts depend on the preparedness of local communities.” uses expressions.

Air and water are extremely important for long-term survival under the rubble.

According to experts, people left in the ruins of a collapsed building can survive for a long time if they do not lose blood, have the means to breathe and access to water. Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at Duke University in the USA. In the words of Richard Edward Moon, “Lack of water and oxygen are critical problems for survival.

Luna, about this”Every adult loses 1.2 liters of water per day. Through urine, breath, water vapor and sweat. When a person loses more than 8 liters of water, he becomes seriously ill.On the other hand, some estimates suggest that people trapped in the wreckage can survive 3 to 7 days without access to water.

According to experts, the victims of the earthquake, unfortunately, cannot survive for a long time under the rubble.

Especially a head injury or some kind of serious injury makes it extremely difficult to survive under the rubble. Emphasizing the importance of determining the level of damage under the rubble, Dr. S. Jetrey Regmi.”People with spinal cord, head, or chest injuries may not survive until they are taken to the emergency room. Blood loss, fractures and ruptures of organs increase the likelihood of death” uses expressions.

On the other hand, the level of injury to people under the rubble is of vital importance after the moment of rescue. Regmi claims that people who are under the rubble for a long time can die due to Crash syndrome. In Crush syndrome, the muscles are damaged by the pressure of debris and begin to produce toxins. When the debris is removed, the toxins are distributed throughout the body and can cause serious health problems or death.

Climate and weather conditions can also determine lifespan under debris.

Unfortunately, the Kahramanmarash earthquakes occurred in the most difficult season and weather conditions in our country. This has a negative impact both on the processes of transportation to the region, and on search and rescue and rescue teams, and most importantly, on our citizens who are under the rubble.

According to experts, it is extremely difficult for an adult to maintain body temperature at temperatures below 21 degrees. At temperatures below 21 degrees body temperature follows the ambient temperature. In some regions where the earthquake occurred, at certain times the air temperature drops below zero. For this reason, thousands of our people under the rubble are at risk of hypothermia.

Experts state that the rate of hypothermia varies depending on how protected the person is and how isolated they are.

Although often overlooked, human psychological strength also directly impacts life expectancy under the rubble.

Experts say that it is extremely important to maintain psychological stability and focus on surviving under the rubble. Murat Harun Ongoren, search and rescue expert, explained the importance of psychology under the rubble: “Fear, nature.This is our natural reaction, but do not panic. To survive, we also need to be mentally strong.he expresses.

However, staying under the rubble is not easy either physiologically or psychologically. Maintaining a high level of psychological resistance requires great determination. Ongoren expressed his opinion on this matter.It is important to try to get rid of the feeling of fear and pull yourself together. Your motivation should be: “Okay, I’m here and I need to find a way to survive.” So you scream less and move less. You need to use your energy sparingly by controlling your feelings and panic.puts it into words.

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