Research Article

Preparedness of Emergency Departments in Turkish Hospitals for Disasters and Recommendations for Future Planning: The Case of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake

Volume: 7 Number: 2 June 30, 2026
TR EN

Preparedness of Emergency Departments in Turkish Hospitals for Disasters and Recommendations for Future Planning: The Case of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake

Abstract

Background The Kahramanmaraş Earthquake of February 6, 2023, caused severe structural damage to hospitals and significantly disrupted emergency healthcare services. The overwhelming burden placed on emergency medical professionals highlighted the critical importance of well-prepared Hospital Disaster and Emergency Plans (HAPs) in ensuring an effective disaster response. This study evaluates the experiences of emergency physicians, nurses, paramedics, and support staff in emergency departments (EDs) during and after the earthquake, focusing on their assessments of hospital preparedness, disaster response effectiveness, and infrastructure challenges. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study surveyed healthcare professionals working in emergency departments across six earthquake-affected regions: Gaziantep, Adıyaman, Kahramanmaraş, Şanlıurfa, Kilis, and Malatya. Data were collected through an online survey assessing sociodemographic characteristics, presence at the hospital during and after the earthquake, perceived adequacy of hospital disaster preparedness, implementation of HAP protocols, and infrastructure conditions (power, water, hygiene, and patient management). Results A total of 189 healthcare professionals participated. 76.2% of hospitals sustained structural damage, yet 84.7% of respondents remained or returned to their workplace. Only 46% reported that HAP was implemented, and 69.3% were unaware of their hospital’s designated disaster chairperson. Additionally, 56.6% believed their hospitals were inadequately prepared for disasters, and 59.8% reported a lack of regular disaster training and drills. Infrastructure challenges were common, with 39.7% experiencing energy outages, 50.3% reporting heating issues, and 45.5% facing water shortages. Concerns for family safety negatively impacted 60.3% of respondents, affecting their ability to focus on patient care. Conclusion Significant gaps in hospital disaster preparedness were identified, including limited awareness of HAP protocols, insufficient training, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. Strengthening disaster response plans, increasing staff training, and improving resource allocation are essential to enhance hospital resilience in future disasters. Further research is needed to develop standardized hospital disaster management strategies and assess their long-term impact.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Emergency Medicine

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

June 26, 2026

Publication Date

June 30, 2026

Submission Date

September 7, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 24, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 7 Number: 2

APA
Altınsoy, K. E., Yıldırım, G. Ö., Oktay, M. M., Yavuz, E., Akbaş, İ., & Sarı, B. (2026). Preparedness of Emergency Departments in Turkish Hospitals for Disasters and Recommendations for Future Planning: The Case of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake. Experimental and Applied Medical Science, 7(2), 124-139. https://doi.org/10.46871/eams.1779627
AMA
1.Altınsoy KE, Yıldırım GÖ, Oktay MM, Yavuz E, Akbaş İ, Sarı B. Preparedness of Emergency Departments in Turkish Hospitals for Disasters and Recommendations for Future Planning: The Case of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake. Exp Appl Med Sci. 2026;7(2):124-139. doi:10.46871/eams.1779627
Chicago
Altınsoy, Kazım Ersin, Gül Özlem Yıldırım, M. Murat Oktay, Erdal Yavuz, İlker Akbaş, and Bektaş Sarı. 2026. “Preparedness of Emergency Departments in Turkish Hospitals for Disasters and Recommendations for Future Planning: The Case of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake”. Experimental and Applied Medical Science 7 (2): 124-39. https://doi.org/10.46871/eams.1779627.
EndNote
Altınsoy KE, Yıldırım GÖ, Oktay MM, Yavuz E, Akbaş İ, Sarı B (June 1, 2026) Preparedness of Emergency Departments in Turkish Hospitals for Disasters and Recommendations for Future Planning: The Case of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake. Experimental and Applied Medical Science 7 2 124–139.
IEEE
[1]K. E. Altınsoy, G. Ö. Yıldırım, M. M. Oktay, E. Yavuz, İ. Akbaş, and B. Sarı, “Preparedness of Emergency Departments in Turkish Hospitals for Disasters and Recommendations for Future Planning: The Case of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake”, Exp Appl Med Sci, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 124–139, June 2026, doi: 10.46871/eams.1779627.
ISNAD
Altınsoy, Kazım Ersin - Yıldırım, Gül Özlem - Oktay, M. Murat - Yavuz, Erdal - Akbaş, İlker - Sarı, Bektaş. “Preparedness of Emergency Departments in Turkish Hospitals for Disasters and Recommendations for Future Planning: The Case of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake”. Experimental and Applied Medical Science 7/2 (June 1, 2026): 124-139. https://doi.org/10.46871/eams.1779627.
JAMA
1.Altınsoy KE, Yıldırım GÖ, Oktay MM, Yavuz E, Akbaş İ, Sarı B. Preparedness of Emergency Departments in Turkish Hospitals for Disasters and Recommendations for Future Planning: The Case of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake. Exp Appl Med Sci. 2026;7:124–139.
MLA
Altınsoy, Kazım Ersin, et al. “Preparedness of Emergency Departments in Turkish Hospitals for Disasters and Recommendations for Future Planning: The Case of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake”. Experimental and Applied Medical Science, vol. 7, no. 2, June 2026, pp. 124-39, doi:10.46871/eams.1779627.
Vancouver
1.Kazım Ersin Altınsoy, Gül Özlem Yıldırım, M. Murat Oktay, Erdal Yavuz, İlker Akbaş, Bektaş Sarı. Preparedness of Emergency Departments in Turkish Hospitals for Disasters and Recommendations for Future Planning: The Case of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake. Exp Appl Med Sci. 2026 Jun. 1;7(2):124-39. doi:10.46871/eams.1779627

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