t24.com.tr
Earthquake Survival: Position Trumps Preparedness Kit
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ferudun Çelikmen, founder of AKUT, highlights that body position during an earthquake is more crucial than an earthquake bag, as he has never rescued anyone who had one; a charged phone and water are more practical.
- Why does Çelikmen consider a charged cell phone and water more essential than an earthquake bag for survival?
- Çelikmen highlights the importance of a charged cell phone and water over an earthquake bag. He points out that most earthquake bags are bulky and inaccessible during a quake, while a phone facilitates communication and location sharing for rescue efforts. He also notes that many tools found in bags are now on smartphones.
- How does the recommended body position during an earthquake improve survival rates, and how does it differ from standard advice?
- Çelikmen advocates for the fetal position over the "drop, cover, and hold on" method during earthquakes, citing its effectiveness in minimizing the target area. He notes a significant difference in the space required for each position; the fetal position requires less space and thus increases survival chances. He suggests that this positional difference has been vital in the survival of those he's rescued.
- What is the most critical factor for survival during an earthquake according to earthquake rescue expert Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ferudun Çelikmen?
- AKUT founder and emergency medicine specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ferudun Çelikmen, who has rescued nearly 250 people from rubble in earthquakes, emphasizes that the most crucial factor during an earthquake is body position, not an earthquake bag. Based on his experience, he states that no one he has rescued had an earthquake bag. He asserts that large bags are impractical in such situations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the narrative around the expert's strong opinion against the use of earthquake kits. The headline and introduction emphasize the expert's statement that taking the fetal position is more important than an emergency kit. This framing potentially diminishes the importance of disaster preparedness and the potential role of well-stocked emergency kits in survival after the initial earthquake.
Language Bias
The article uses strong language to convey Çelikmen's opinion, such as "Valiz gibi çantaların kimseye faydası olmaz" (Suitcases are useless to anyone). While accurately reflecting the expert's view, this choice of language is emotive and could be perceived as biased. More neutral phrasing would be preferred to maintain objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the opinion of a single expert, Doç. Dr. Mustafa Ferudun Çelikmen, and his experience with earthquake rescues. While his expertise is valuable, the analysis lacks alternative perspectives from other experts in disaster response or seismology. The potential benefits of having a well-stocked emergency kit are downplayed without considering situations where immediate access to supplies might be crucial. Omission of these alternative perspectives could create a biased view of effective disaster preparedness.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between the usefulness of an earthquake kit and the importance of taking a protective position during an earthquake. It suggests that a kit is largely useless while emphasizing the life-saving importance of the fetal position. This oversimplification ignores the potential benefits of both, as the kit provides crucial supplies after rescue, while the correct position increases the chance of survival during the immediate impact.
Sustainable Development Goals
By emphasizing the importance of readily available resources like cell phones and water over large, cumbersome emergency kits, the article indirectly promotes preparedness and reduces potential economic strain on vulnerable populations who may struggle to afford or maintain large emergency kits. Having readily available, inexpensive supplies can increase the likelihood of survival and reduce long-term impacts of disaster on vulnerable populations.