NEET PG High-Yield: Earthquakes
Earthquakes are sudden geological events causing significant structural collapse. Unlike floods, they often involve a high proportion of crush injuries and require rapid search and rescue operations.
Key Medical Considerations
| Injury Type | Clinical Implication |
|---|---|
| Crush Syndrome | Rhabdomyolysis leading to acute renal failure (Myoglobinuria). |
| Trauma | Fractures, spinal cord injuries, and internal hemorrhage. |
| Post-Collapse | Potential for secondary infections, tetanus, and mental health (PTSD). |
Management Priorities
- Search and Rescue: The “Golden Hour” principle applies; rapid extraction is paramount.
- On-Site Triage: Immediate identification of crush syndrome cases requiring aggressive IV fluid resuscitation *before* extrication.
- Structural Safety: Establishing medical camps away from high-risk, unstable buildings to prevent secondary casualties.
- Logistics: Managing mass casualty loads when local hospital infrastructure may have collapsed.
High-Yield NEET PG Pearls:
- Crush Syndrome Pearl: Aggressive fluid resuscitation is mandatory to prevent hyperkalemia and renal failure. Sodium bicarbonate may be used to alkalinize urine.
- Infrastructure: Earthquake-resistant building codes are the single most effective “Mitigation” strategy.
- Psychosocial: Earthquakes have a very high psychological impact; “First Aid for Mental Health” is a vital recovery activity.