Evaluation of the efficiency of Turkish red crescent national blood services in the 6th of February Kahramanmaraş earthquakes

This study investigates the Kızılay Blood Services' response, management of blood stocks before and after the disaster, blood donation, and distribution activities following the 6 February earthquakes. After the earthquake, with the national mobilization of the Kızılay a total of 196,753 units of blood donations were collected, and uninterrupted blood products were provided to hospitals for the injured. According to survey results, employees generally found the procedures and practices related to blood services management in disaster situations adequate, but identified some areas requiring improvement. The study also examined employees' opinions on disaster preparedness and response, indicating findings that point to the Kızılay's capacity to respond quickly and effectively to disasters and its success in meeting the increased need for blood during disasters. Additionally, the need for improvements in specific areas, such as response to blood donation calls during disasters and solutions to encountered challenges, was identified. The thesis offers recommendations to enhance the Kızılay's capacity for disaster preparedness, response, and improvement. In this context, it suggests strategic steps such as supporting the physical and psychological well-being of staff working in disaster areas, strengthening the infrastructure to make blood services more resilient against disasters, increasing mobile blood banks, and updating disaster plans. The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the management of blood services in disaster situations, contributing to community resilience and the development of policies and practices in this area.