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

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.