Editorial

Floods in Asia, Europe, and America can lead to serious mortality and morbidity accounting for about 40% of all natural hazards. As a commonly occurring natural disaster in Iran, flood poses various risks and consequences. When this natural calamity occurs, the surface currents of water can cause drowning and trauma. It usually takes a long time for the flood to recede. People who experience drowning do not reach near-drowning because the golden time is lost until the water recedes so they have little chance of survival. Moreover, sharp objects floating in the flood water such as tree trunks or branches can be dangerous causing serious traumas. Rodents and reptiles like snakes may exacerbate the situation by entering residential areas and creating critical health problems. Water contamination is also an important issue at the time of floods because Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella contaminate the water sources and cause a great burden on the health system. Under such circumstances, people often suffer from hypothermia. Furthermore, the victims whose homes and assets have been damaged are at greater risk of mental illness. Thus, both the physiological and mental health of the people in flood-hit areas need special, careful consideration. But which one increases the risk of drowning? Hot or cold water? It is more likely to survive in cold and fresh water, and resuscitation measures can be performed better in cold water, because low temperature diminishes the metabolis...
Source: Journal of Injury and Violence Research - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Source Type: research