How long can they survive those trapped in the rubble after an earthquake; This is the question posed by the Associated Press. Up to a week or more, experts say, but that depends on their injuries, how they’re trapped and the weather.
Search teams from around the world are working feverishly with local emergency personnel in Turkey and Syria to locate victims of this week’s devastating earthquake that killed thousands.
Most rescues usually take place in the first 24 hours after a disaster. After that, the chances of survival decrease as each day passes, experts say. Many victims are seriously injured or buried under rocks and debris.
Access to water and air to breathe are critical factors, along with weather. The winter conditions in Syria and Turkey have hampered rescue efforts and temperatures have dropped well below freezing.
“Usually, it is rare to find survivors after the fifth to seventh day and most search and rescue teams will consider stopping by then,” said Dr. Jarone Lee, an emergency and disaster medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital. But there are many stories of people who survived even after the seven days. Unfortunately, these are usually rare and exceptional cases.
People with severe injuries, including the possibility of having their limbs amputated, have a low chance of survival, said Dr. George Chiampas, an emergency medicine specialist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “If they’re not released within an hour, there’s really very little chance of survival,” he said.
He added that those who are dealing with underlying diseases and receiving medication also have a low chance of survival.
Age, physical and psychological condition are also critical factors…
Source: News Beast
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