DISASTER TRIAGE MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCES OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, 2023 KAHRAMANMARAS/TURKIYE EARTHQUAKE EXAMPLE

Objective: This study was conducted to examine the disaster triage management experiences of health professionals affiliated with the National Medical Rescue Team (NMRT) during the earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş/TURKIYE on 06.02.2023. Material and Methods: The present study is designed according to qualitative research principles. Interviews that lasted 20-40 minutes were administered face-to-face. The data were transcribed by experts and MAXQDA software was used to identify codes and themes. Results: It was found that the average age of participants was 33.3, the average years of professional experience was 11.6, and the average years of experience in the National Medical Rescue Team (NMRT) was 4.8. It was determined that all participants had received emergency first aid/triage training and had previously served in disaster zones. The study identified six themes: initial medical response to victims trapped under debris, emotions experienced, triage methods, reasons for inability to perform triage, problems encountered, and recommendations. The findings from this study, which aimed to examine the disaster triage management experiences of health professionals who served under NMRT during the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, were discussed in the light of the literature. The study resulted in six (6) main themes and a total of twenty-three (23) subthemes. Conclusions : The earthquake affected a broad area and problems in coordination were observed, which hindered the implementation of medical triage. Furthermore, it was concluded that all health personnel should receive training on disaster response, and that a practicable medical triage system needs to be developed for such major earthquakes.