Earthquake drill in Ordu that is like the real thing

A joint earthquake drill was conducted in Ünye district of Ordu to prepare for possible natural disasters. The earthquake drill, organized at Ünye State Hospital in partnership with Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE), and Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate (AFAD), was very realistic, aiming to test the sensitivity of the staff, increase awareness, and be prepared for potential earthquakes in line with the 2024 Hospital Disaster Plan (HDP). According to the scenario, following a simulated earthquake measuring 6.4 magnitude in the region, the Emergency Teams of Ünye State Hospital first assessed the situation during the drill. Subsequently, teams from Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, UMKE, and AFAD intervened with the earthquake victims and transferred them on stretchers to tents set up in the hospital yard. The patients who received treatment were then transferred to surrounding hospitals. Dr. Ahmet Ateş, the Chief Physician of the hospital, emphasized that in extraordinary situations, law enforcement, military, and health organizations are the units that will set out emergency action plans regarding the risks posed by disasters and emergencies in the society. He stated, ‘Today, we conducted a drill to take precautions against the earthquake risk that may occur here in advance and to determine the roles and responsibilities of our relevant units. This drill, conducted within the scope of our Hospital Disaster Plan (HDP), evaluates how our relevant units should act during the incident, who will take on what role and responsibility at the time of the incident. The goal of the drill is to ensure the safety of the incident site and its surroundings, provide care to the injured, safely evacuate patients and staff, provide medical intervention to those affected by the incident, and prevent any other potential damages. Although this drill is carried out based on a scenario, we must be aware of the need to be prepared for all scenarios. I extend my thanks to the hospital staff, UMKE, 112 Emergency Services, Fire Department, and AFAD personnel who participated in the drill.’