Investigating Lushan Earthquake Victims’ Individual Behavior Response and Rescue Organization

Peng Kang, Yipeng Lv, Qiangyu Deng, Yuan Liu, Yi Zhang, Xu Liu and Lulu Zhang
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Peng Kang: Department of Military Health Service Management, College of Military Health Service Management, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Yipeng Lv: Department of Military Health Service Management, College of Military Health Service Management, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Qiangyu Deng: Department of Military Health Service Management, College of Military Health Service Management, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Yuan Liu: Department of Military Health Service Management, College of Military Health Service Management, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Yi Zhang: Department of Military Health Service Management, College of Military Health Service Management, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Xu Liu: Department of Military Health Service Management, College of Military Health Service Management, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Lulu Zhang: Department of Military Health Service Management, College of Military Health Service Management, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China

IJERPH, 2017, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-10

Abstract: Research concerning the impact of earthquake victims’ individual behavior and its association with earthquake-related injuries is lacking. This study examined this relationship along with effectiveness of earthquake rescue measures. The six most severely destroyed townships during the Lushan earthquake were examined; 28 villages and three earthquake victims’ settlement camp areas were selected as research areas. Inclusion criteria comprised living in Lushan county for a longtime, living in Lushan county during the 2013 Lushan earthquake, and having one’s home destroyed. Earthquake victims with an intellectual disability or communication problems were excluded. The earthquake victims (N (number) = 5165, male = 2396) completed a questionnaire (response rate: 94.7%). Among them, 209 were injured (5.61%). Teachers ( p < 0.0001, OR (odds ratios) = 3.33) and medical staff ( p = 0.001, OR = 4.35) were more vulnerable to the earthquake than were farmers. Individual behavior was directly related to injuries, such as the first reaction after earthquake and fear. There is an obvious connection between earthquake-related injury and individual behavior characteristics. It is strongly suggested that victims receive mental health support from medical practitioners and the government to minimize negative effects. The initial reaction after an earthquake also played a vital role in victims’ trauma; therefore, earthquake-related experience and education may prevent injuries. Self-aid and mutual help played key roles in emergency, medical rescue efforts.

Keywords: earthquake victims; individual behavior; injury; rescue efforts (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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