Iranian Military Forces in the Bam Earthquake

Abstract

The earthquake that struck Bam, Iran, in December 2003 was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recent years. Medical and assistance activities conducted by Iranian military forces in this event are discussed in light of the special capabilities of the military forces in search and rescue missions. Among the most significant activities of the Iranian military forces in this event are the following: reporting the first news about the event, starting search and rescue missions in the first hour after the disaster by the 1st Brigade of Bam as the first assisting force, setting up two field hospitals as the first Iranian field hospitals in the disaster area, transporting 937 assistance, medical, and health care personnel to the disaster area in the first day, setting up 23 field emergency and 13 field assistance centers in the area, running 8 post-hospital care centers throughout the country, and playing a significant role in airlifting 11,792 casualties to different hospitals around the country. Based on the recent experience and the exclusive abilities of military forces, a special role for these forces in search and rescue missions should be considered.

Facilitators and obstacles in pre-hospital medical response to earthquakes: a qualitative study

“…These results are supported by other studies [14,18,26,32,33] demonstrating the role of the military during the early phase of response. These among others; established field hospitals, triage, albeit to a limited extent, transporting medical and health care personnel to the disaster area and playing a significant role in air transportation of casualties to other receiving hospitals [14,18,26,32,33].…”

“…However, an air bridge did provide a means of rapid transportation for earthquake victims. Approximately 12,000 injured people were evacuated within 48-72 hours using civil and military aircrafts, road transportation and helicopters [31,32]. …”

“…These among others; established field hospitals, triage, albeit to a limited extent, transporting medical and health care personnel to the disaster area and playing a significant role in air transportation of casualties to other receiving hospitals [14,18,26,32,33]. …”

Rescue efforts management and characteristics of casualties of the Wenchuan earthquake in China

“…12 According to data released from the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China, the Wenchuan earthquake caused 69 226 deaths and 374 643 injuries, and 17 923 people were still missing as of 8 September 2008 13. The Sichuan province was the hardest-hit area, with the greatest number of casualties occurring in Wenchuan, Mianzhu, Beichuan, Shifang, Guangyuan, Qingchuan, Chengdu, Maoxian and Dujiangyan, and accounting for 77.10% of the total number of deaths.…”

“…For the medical evacuation system, more emphasis should be placed on improving its flexibility, mobility and speed 12. The mobile capacity of the forward medical teams should be strengthened in order to improve the first-line of treatment.…”