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Published on: May 18, 2015
Medical complications associated with earthquakes
Susan A Bartels1, Michael J VanRooyen
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA. sbartels@bidmc.harvard.edu
Lancet (London, England)
|November 8, 2011
Summary
Major earthquakes cause devastating injuries and high mortality due to unique trauma patterns. This review summarizes earthquake-induced injuries and their impact on major organ systems.
Area of Science:
- Disaster medicine
- Trauma epidemiology
- Public health emergencies
Background:
- Earthquakes are catastrophic natural disasters, frequently impacting urban areas.
- Poor structural integrity in affected regions exacerbates casualties and injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize earthquake-induced injuries.
- To discuss medical complications affecting major organ systems post-earthquake.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of earthquake-related injuries and mortality.
- Synthesis of epidemiological data on trauma patterns.
Main Results:
- Earthquake injuries are mechanical, multisystem traumas.
- Survivors face complications leading to increased morbidity and mortality.
- Medical response capacity is often compromised during these events.
Conclusions:
- Understanding earthquake injury epidemiology is crucial for disaster response.
- Effective medical and surgical care is vital despite disrupted capacities.
- Addressing post-trauma complications is essential to reduce long-term mortality.
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