An Update on SCCM Relief Efforts in Türkiye and Syria

SCCM President Vinay M. Nadkarni, MD, MS, FCCM, provides an update on the SCCM emergency response efforts for the Türkiye-Syria Earthquake.

A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria on Monday, February 6, 2023, with significant aftershocks to the surrounding areas. This disaster, coupled with below-freezing temperatures has left over 40,000 people dead and more than 200,000 injured. The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) is rapidly deploying support to critical care clinicians and those in the affected areas. SCCM is also in contact with local healthcare professionals to ensure that ongoing efforts are focused and impactful.
 
SCCM has reached out to nearly 500 clinicians in the region and is working with humanitarian aid organizations, including Direct Relief and Global Outreach Doctors, to provide supplies and equipment. To help meet urgent needs on the ground, Direct Relief sent an initial shipment of more than 25 pallets of medical supplies the first week. Now, more than 22 tons of medical aid has been staged or is being shipped to Türkiye and Syria since the earthquake began. Items include medications and supplies such as field medic packs, antibiotics, other essential medicines, and oral rehydration solutions to treat people with injuries and preexisting medical conditions, as well as hygiene items for those displaced from their homes. SCCM will also receive $500,000 from Direct Relief to support specialized procurement of trauma care needs and supplies to some of the hardest-hit hospitals.
 
Please contact emergency@sccm.org if you have information on how SCCM can provide additional support, including information about sending medical supplies and equipment, medications, and personal hygiene products. SCCM stands ready to provide additional assistance as requested by local authorities and members on the ground.

Thank you to those who have already donated to support relief efforts in Türkiye and Syria. If you haven’t yet contributed and would like to do so, please make your donation here.

Your gift not only helps SCCM provide much-needed medical supplies and equipment, it also allows SCCM to contribute medications and humanitarian items needed by people when traditional supply lines are disrupted, including hygiene products, clothing, blankets, and more.
 
The Society has posted many helpful complimentary disaster-related resources on its Türkiye-Syria earthquake page. Learn more about SCCM’s crisis management efforts and the variety of free resources available to help you prepare and respond.
 
Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of all those who have lost loved ones. They have our unwavering support, and SCCM is poised to offer as much assistance as possible.

Posted: 2/15/2023 | 0 comments