Stating that the earthquake bag application may lead to deaths by wasting time, Ferudun Çelikmen said, “Take the fetal position in the triangle of life that will be formed next to a household item that will not be destroyed even if crushed.”

The founding president of AKUT, the most reliable search and rescue association in Turkey, which pulled many people out of the wreckage during the Marmara Earthquake in 1999, Mustafa Ferudun Çelikmen explained what should be done at the time of the earthquake. Yeditepe University Hospitals Emergency Medicine Specialist Lect. Dr. Mustafa Ferudun Çelikmen gave the following warnings:
“During the first quake, within 10-15 seconds, you have no choice but to implement the action plan you have tried before. If you are in a place where you can escape, run outside with your loved ones without looking for impediments like an earthquake bag. Even in your most unprepared moment, during sleep at night, the two things already close to you are a mobile phone on charge and water. The earthquake bag is suitable for those stranded in disasters such as floods, typhoons, and earthquakes in countries with solid buildings and proper urbanization. Even in the poorest countries, no one who has survived the devastating impact of an earthquake has died of hunger.”

Fetal Position

Çelikmen remarked, "Will you save your loved ones within 15 seconds, or will you set up a camp under the wreckage with an earthquake bag and live a Robinson Crusoe life? An earthquake bag is a shackle you are entangled in when you attempt to escape during a quake. Running to somewhere on the upper floors of multi-story buildings, and trying to jump out of windows can be fatal. Making yourself a smaller "target" in the fetal position next to household items that will not be destroyed even if crushed reduces the likelihood of crushing. The fetal position protects the kidneys even at a space with a height of 40 cm, prevents heat loss, ensures the regular functioning of the heart and respiratory system with minimal energy requirement even if you fall asleep or lose your consciousness.”

Solid Items

Drawing attention to the fact that even in the worst scenario, the life triangles formed by the columns and beams of a collapsed building save lives, Dr. Çelikmen continued as follows: "All of those we have rescued in the disasters where we have participated in the rescue operations since the 1992 Erzincan earthquake are those who have made themselves a smaller "target" in triangles of life. Next to household items such as a dowry chest inherited from a grandmother and a bed with a base full of unused items and books, this survival chance, which is scarce in the building that turns into a wreck, will have been used correctly. The best solution to avoid damage from an earthquake is to live in solid buildings built on the proper ground.”

Press Coverage: milliyet.com.tr..