Salvaged Death

Every year, millions of people around the world are affected by both natural and man-made disasters. Earthquakes are among the disasters that cause severe destruction and loss of life. Salvaged deaths occur as a result of crush syndrome and its associated complications. Immediate deaths that occur during an earthquake are unavoidable. However, the management of serious injuries and other issues in earthquake survivors is a matter of life and death. The primary causes of salvaged deaths include inappropriate interventions at the disaster site, limited resources, and delays in reaching earthquake victims. The post- earthquake crisis, including search and rescue operations, debris removal, and medical care for survivors pulled from the rubble, requires a systematic approach. To prevent salvaged death, effective interventions must be carried out both under the rubble and after survivors are rescued. The health professional firstly evaluates the area, makes the necessary evaluations with triage, provides medical assistance, and ensures referral to the appropriate health institution. Case management during earthquakes is a challenging process for health-care professionals. The main principles at this stage are to stop bleeding, ensure airway patency, prevent hypothermia, and initiate fluid resuscitation. Fluid resuscitation should begin immediately with an intravenous or intraosseous line before the crushed area is released. From this perspective, it is critical to begin medical treatment for earthquake victims as soon as possible, even while still trapped under the rubble. Therefore, it is essential to train and develop experienced health-care professionals who have received the necessary education.