Debunking a myth: No big risk in losing balance during earthquake

Dozens rush to Mayo Hospital, Jinnah Hospital emergencies after falling down while trying to rush outdoors

LAHORE:

Dozens of people rushed to hospital emergencies after Monday’s earthquake jolted the city. Their complaint: they had fallen to the ground during the earthquake.

However, health experts dismissed fears associated with falling to the ground during an earthquake.

“Many people came to the emergency of Mayo Hospital after the earthquake. They wanted to be examined. They did not have any apparent injuries, but were scared of getting epilepsy or losing their eyesight. We assured them that they were fine and that there was no such risk,” said a doctor deputed at the Emergency Department of Mayo Hospital.

Another doctor working at the emergency of the Jinnah Hospital said that a lot of patients had come to the emergency ward after falling during earthquake. “They were concerned they might be stricken by some disease because they had fallen during an earthquake,” he said.

“Nothing happens to anybody who falls during an earthquake. If somebody gets injured, he should get medical treatment. Otherwise, there is nothing to worry about. It is unfortunate that people still believe that those who fall down during an earthquake may lose their eyesight, become epileptic or develop some mental disorder. Some people may suffer post-traumatic disorder or anxiety after an earthquake, but it will be solely out of fear,” Prof Malik Hussain Mubbashar, a psychiatrist and former Vice Chancellor of University of Health Sciences (UHS), said.



Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical University Vice Chancellor Dr Javed Akram said it was unfortunate that some people spread misconceptions about earthquakes but didn’t do anything to prevent the damage caused by it.

“Nothing happens to anybody who falls down during an earthquake if he has not been injured. This is a disaster situation. Those who suffer injuries should be treated on priority. The injuries take place due to unpreparedness. We are not prepared to deal with any emergency,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2015.