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Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Response

SCCM offers these free resources to help during natural disasters.

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When a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria in February, 2023, the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) reached out to clinicians in the region to offer free natural disaster resources and support.

Since then, SCCM has:
  • Connected the humanitarian aid organization Direct Relief with medical and government officials in the area.
  • Provided eight frontline hospitals in Türkiye and Syria with $50,000 awards each to purchase needed supplies to keep their ICUs operational.

SCCM Training

August 2023

SCCM, with support from Direct Relief, provided Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS) training to more than 70 Turkish and Syrian healthcare professionals during the World Federation of Intensive and Critical Care (WFICC) meeting in August 2023.
The training was performed in both English and Arabic. Additionally, SCCM and Direct Relief provided free registration and travel costs to the WFICC conference for nearly 150 Turkish and Syrians clinicians to advance critical care education!

Free Resources on Natural Disaster Response

SCCM's resources include chapters and presentations from its Fundamental Critical Care Support: Crisis Management textbook and course and drug shortage alerts.

An Update on SCCM Relief Efforts in Türkiye and Syria

An Update on SCCM Relief Efforts in Türkiye and Syria

A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria on Monday, February 6, 2023, with significant aftershocks to the surrounding areas. The Society of Critical Care Medicine (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.