Organization of Emergency Health Services and Problems in Flood Disasters: The Case of Hopa

The Hopa flood disaster that occurred on August 24, 2015, caused many injuries, 3 people were lost in the flood waters and 8 people lost their lives in addition to financial losses. When the disaster occurs, the victims have to cope with their own means until the medical rescue teams reach the disaster area. From this point of view, in our study, it is aimed to organize the emergency health services in the Hopa flood disaster, to identify and evaluate the problems that arise in the organization. Qualitative research method was used in the study. Semi-structured interview technique was applied to the leaders of the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) who took part in the Hopa flood disaster. When the study data is examined, it was determined that the teams reached the disaster area within 3-6 hours, the first rescue operation was carried out by the disaster victims and the injured reached the hospital by their own means. It has been determined that the lack of coordination and practice and the desire to meet the water and food needs of the disaster victims by the health team create administrative problems. It has been determined that the number of teams involved in the disaster is sufficient, equipment and medical logistics are adequately provided, and the teams work hard and in harmony.