Disaster Epidemiology Lessons From Bam Earthquake Dec 26, 2003 Iran Part 4: Rescue and relief operation in Bam earthquake A. Ardalan MD, MPH, PhD student in Epidemiology 1

Learning objectives:  To view the rescue and relief operation in Bam earthquake  To understand the importance of public training and education in basic first aid and rescue methods.  To understand the major concern and barrier for effective services delivery in Bam  To understand the importance of health status and basic needs of rescue teams and relief workers in disasters. 2

Initial Response Immediate National Response Immediate International Response 3

Massive rescue and relief operation V arious government agencies including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, the Army, the IRCS and NGOs launched a massive rescue and relief operation. 4

Massive rescue and relief operation More than 1600 Search and Rescue, Health and Relief personnel from 44 countries arrived in the affected areas within a couple of days to help with the rescue and relief operations. 5

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Percents of families in need of rescue efforts who were helped by trained rescue groups, by time of help Time after the disaster % Never46 First 12 hours18 Second 12 hours14 2 nd day13 After 2 nd day9 8

Special training for action during an earthquake in Bam  Only in 11% of families, at least one person had been trained in special action during an earthquake or first aid and rescue methods. 9

10 Cumulative percent of the first time basic services delivery to the earthquake-stricken households in Bam till 20th days of post-disaster period

11 The overall satisfaction of the earthquake-stricken people from basic services delivery

Population movement after the earthquake Zones Earthquake-stricken area     12

Population Movement Major concern and barrier for effective services delivery in Bam  Invasion of poor people from neighboring areas to Bam: 10,000-15,000 people  Changing living places inside Bam: 10 % 13

17% were injured during their activities, but not sever So, 67% did not need to medical care 10 % did not referred in spite of need & 23% were received medical care Injuries of Relief workers in Bam 14 Injuries and illnesses in relief workers who were studied on 21st day of post-disaster period in Bam

Illnesses in relief workers who were studied on 21 st day of post-disaster period in Bam 49.3 % experienced at least one episode of illnesses 67.2 % received medial care 15

16 80 % of relief workers in Bam expressed their need to psychological consultations.

The demands of rescue team on the 21 th days of post-disaster period in Bam Bath room 34 % Hot / qualified Food 10 % Qualified accommodation status 8 % Clothes 7 % Others Training & management 6% 17

Conclusion 1:  In disaster-prone areas like Iran, training and education in basic first aid and rescue methods should be an integral part of any community preparedness program. 18

Conclusion 2:  Research-based information is necessary for estimation of needed relief supplies, equipment, and personnel to deliver services efficiently to earthquake-stricken people. 19

Conclusion 3:  Do not forget the health status and basic needs of rescue teams and relief workers, otherwise they will not be efficient and will be waiting for replacements. 20