The Role of Paramedics in Disasters: Example of Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

Abstract

In this study, the crucial contributions of paramedics working in 112 ambulances during natural disasters, specifically focusing on their role in providing medical interventions for disaster victims who are trapped under debris or require assistance after being rescued is examined. Paramedics play a vital role in disaster scenarios, leveraging their emergency response expertise and proficiency in emergency medicine to offer substantial support. Since 2004, these paramedics have been fulfilling their duties across various ambulance types, including 112, A.K.S 110, and private ambulances, demonstrating their adeptness in transportation and rescue operations within the context of both natural and man-made disasters. They had the opportunity to showcase their emergency response skills during the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, which was labeled as the catastrophe of the century, impacting hundreds of thousands of individuals. © 2023 IEEE.