Equipment that should be carried by a physician who goes to the earthquake region for emergency assistance during the winter season

Abstract

In February 2023, two major earthquakes in Turkey affected 10 cities. We wanted to share our experience with the equipment that the first responders in the earthquake area should take with them, apart from medical supplies.The equipment required for patient care is as follows; stethoscope, trauma scissors, flashlight, and headlamp (for power outage situation), safety glasses, scrubs (spare), mask, medical gloves, regularly used drugs (such as decongestants, antibiotics, analgesics), battery, hospital ID, notepad, pen. Personal equipment that is not necessary for patient care is as follows; backpack (with name tag), power bank (to keep in touch), list of basic contact numbers, thermos (for tea and coffee), enough ready-made food to last at least three days (dry foods, energy, and protein bars, instant sachet soup, etc.), water bottle, fork, spoon, glass, garbage bag, whistle, work gloves, ear protection, sleeping bag and mat (tent if possible), personal hygiene items (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, napkins).

Keywords

• earthquake
• Equipment
• physician
• emergency medicine