Last Updated on 01/08/2024 by wccexam Desk
Post-rescue deaths after disasters are a significant concern, often overshadowed by the immediate fatalities caused by the disaster itself. These deaths can occur days, weeks, or even months after the initial event and are typically attributed to several factors, including delayed medical care, complications from injuries, and the psychological impact of the disaster.
Phases of Disaster-Related Deaths
Deaths in the aftermath of disasters can be categorized into three phases:
- Immediate Deaths: These occur at the moment of the disaster, often due to traumatic injuries, such as those sustained in earthquakes, floods, or explosions.
- Early Deaths: These are preventable and often result from complications that arise shortly after the disaster, such as hemorrhage or respiratory failure. Timely medical interventions, such as the application of tourniquets or airway management, can significantly reduce these fatalities. Studies indicate that rapid response within the first few hours can drastically improve survival rates.
- Delayed Deaths: These occur days or weeks post-disaster and are usually due to infections, organ failure, or complications from untreated injuries. For instance, inadequate wound care can lead to severe infections, which are a common cause of delayed deaths in disaster scenarios[1].
Factors Contributing to Post-Rescue Deaths
1. Delayed Medical Care
The speed of medical response is critical. Research shows that victims who do not receive care within a specific timeframe are at a higher risk of death. For example, in earthquakes, survival rates drop significantly if medical assistance is not rendered within 24 hours.
2. Infection and Organ Failure
Injuries sustained during disasters can lead to complications like infections. When victims are not treated promptly, the risk of sepsis and organ failure increases, contributing to delayed deaths. Early and effective wound care is essential to mitigate these risks.
3. Physiological Responses
Physiological changes can occur after rescue, leading to conditions like hypothermia, kidney damage, or cardiac arrhythmias. For example, when individuals are trapped for extended periods, the initial stress response helps maintain organ function. However, once rescued, the sudden change in physical state can lead to circulatory collapse or other complications.
4. Psychological Factors
The psychological impact of disasters can also play a role in post-rescue deaths. Survivors may experience significant trauma, which can affect their will to live and overall health. Stress hormones that help maintain bodily functions during crisis situations may diminish after rescue, leading to a decline in health.
5. Epidemics and Health Risks
While the risk of epidemic outbreaks following disasters is often overstated, the conditions created by disasters—such as overcrowding and lack of sanitation—can lead to communicable diseases, which pose additional health risks to survivors.
- Weakness of technology or dishonesty… the old infrastructure withstood floods and earthquakes, how did the new one get washed away in water?
- ‘There was already a bomb in the guest house’, big revelation on the murder of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh
- Russia releases US journalist in multi-nation prisoner swap, two Russian prisoners also freed
- Rivers in spate due to heavy rains, Kedarnath Yatra stopped, 14 people dead so far
- Holding the girl’s hand and saying “I love you” proved costly for the young man, sentenced to two years in jail
Post-rescue deaths are a complex issue influenced by various medical, physiological, and psychological factors. To minimize these fatalities, it is crucial to ensure rapid response and effective medical care immediately following a disaster. Additionally, addressing the mental health needs of survivors and improving disaster preparedness can significantly impact the survival rates of those affected by such catastrophic events.