Forensic medical examination of earthquake victims admitted to Dicle universi̇tesi Medical Faculty Hospitals as a result of the 6 february 2023 Kahramanmaraş centered earthquakes

Earthquakes, which are unpredictable disasters, have indirect or direct effects. The forms of traumatic injuries resulting from these effects can be seen in a wide range from simple abrasions to injuries with systemic effects. Injuries that occur in earthquakes are important as they are evidence in the legal process in the post-earthquake period. In our study, we aimed to determine the demographic characteristics of earthquake victims and to reveal the epidemiologic and forensic medical aspects of injuries. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by retrospectively analysing the medical documents of the patients who were admitted to Dicle University Faculty of Medicine Hospitals between 06.02.2023 and 06.03.2023 and whose call type was entered as event disaster in the electronic system used in our hospital. Of the 197 patients included in the study, 89 were female and 88 were male. The most common age group was young adulthood to middle age and the mean age was 36 years (minimum: 0, maximum: 84). The most common admission to the hospital was on the first day with a rate of 31%. 62.4% of the cases were hospitalized, 18 died and 125 were discharged after conservative treatment. Extremities were the most frequently affected body part and 108 cases had injuries in more than one region. Fractures accounted for 28% of the injuries (most common), simple injuries accounted for 5%, and compartment syndrome accounted for 7%. Approximately 43% of the cases had no fracture, and the mean number of fractures was 1.7. In 53 cases, crush syndrome was diagnosed and dialysis treatment was performed in 11 patients. Forensic medical evaluation of injuries, 43% of the cases had life-threatening injuries, 76% had injuries that could not be treated with simple medical intervention, and 38% had fractures that severely affected life functions. A general forensic examination report was not issued in 9% (n:18) of the cases. Most of the reports issued were temporary physician reports. For our country, which is located in a first-generation earthquake zone, it is of great importance that healthcare institutions are prepared for earthquakes, hospital disaster planning is effectively implemented and necessary earthquake-specific trainings are provided to healthcare personnel.