Turkish Neurosurgery
Surviving the Big One: Turkish Neurosurgical Society\'s Innovative Disaster Management Model for Istanbul Earthquake
Göksal Günerhan1, Zeynep Dağlar2, Emin Çağıl1, Deniz Belen1
1University of Health Sciences, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Neurosurgery, Çankaya/Ankara,
2Dörtyol State Hospital, Neurosurgery, Dörtyol/Hatay,
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.46154-23.2

Aim:The Turkish Neurosurgical Society (TNS) was pivotal in providing critical medical support following the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. Recognizing the crucial need for neurosurgeons, our team collaborated with various institutions to alleviate material shortages and meet medical needs. However, this experience underscored the necessity of having a comprehensive disaster organization model and a well-defined disaster management plan. In the event of calamity, the TNS suggests forminga dedicated trauma group for coordination among neurosurgeons.Material and Methods:The trauma group will have a regional organization with smaller subagencies assigned distinct roles and responsibilities to minimize confusion during critical periods. As defined in the guidelines, standardized triage and patient management practices will ensure consistent trauma response across the board. These recommendations will disseminate the richness of knowledge obtained from field experiences, providing valuable insights for future generations.Results:By proactively establishing a trauma group within the TNS and developing a robust disaster management plan, we aim to strengthen our resilience and improve the overall effectiveness of neurosurgical response during future calamities. We can pave the way for a more coordinated and efficient approach to disaster relief, ensuring to reach those who need it the most during uncertain and catastrophic events.Conclusion:The establishment of a dedicated trauma group within TNS represents a significant leap forward in improving our disaster preparedness and response capabilities. Our experience in the Kahramanmaraş earthquake provided us with insights into the critical need of a well-organized and coordinated approach to neurosurgical intervention during a disaster. Implementing standardized triage and patient management practices, as defined in our comprehensive guidelines, will help provide a consistent and effective trauma response across various disaster scenarios.

Corresponding author : Göksal Günerhan