Patients rescued from rubble after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake

Background: This study examines the conditions and laboratory results of patients who were rescued from the rubble and brought to the emergency department following the earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş on 06 February 2023. The aim is to serve as a resource for healthcare professionals in future disasters, helping to enhance preparedness and reduce loss of life. Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective descriptive study. Demographic data, clinical conditions, and laboratory results of patients rescued from the rubble were retrieved from the hospital’s automation system. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Windows version 23.0. A total of 92 patients rescued alive from the rubble were included in the study. Results: The mean duration of entrapment beneath the rubble was 3.5 ± 2.19 days. The most significant complications observed were crush syndrome in 35.9% of patients, the need for dialysis in 17.4%and emergency blood transfusion in 7.6%. Of the patients monitored in the study, 26.1% died, 23.9% required intensive care admission, 50% were treated as inpatients and 23.9% were discharged on the same day. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that proper management of patients rescued from rubble, with particular attention to the risk of crush syndrome and acute kidney failure, is crucial for improving outcomes.