Table 2 An overview of themes, subthemes and codes extracted from the data analysis
Themes | Subthemes | Codes |
|---|---|---|
Theme 1: Resources | Communication network (infra structural level) | - Limited radio communication - WhatsApp communication - Drone signal loss due to jammer usage - Lack of communication between teams at disaster sites |
Protective equipment | - Firefighter suits, masks, gloves, and googles - Firefighter gear preference - Boot soles melting due to extreme conditions - Goggles becoming unusable due to dust - Need for stronger helmets - Need for disposable suits | |
Theme 2: Needs | Search and rescue | - Damage assessment using drones - Identifying survivors using thermal cameras - Structural collapse risk - Noise interference in detection - Lack of devices to precisely locate people under rubble |
Emergency response | - Shortage of field hospitals - Inadequate emergency facilities - No system for patient registration - Insufficient number of ambulances - Shortage of medical supplies and equipment | |
Theme 3: Collaboration | Communication | - WhatsApp-based coordination - Multi-agency coordination - Unclear authority distribution in the field - Mismatch in rescue techniques among different teams - Lack of a structured task assignment system - Dividing into separate teams to improve efficiency - Delays due to leadership changes before the disaster |
Information sharing | - AFAD-UMKE (teams) contact information sharing - Lack of information sharing within the FR teams - Absence of records on building occupants - Need for a centralized communication hub - Need for interoperability | |
Theme 4: Innovation | Technological advancements | - False positive thermal detection - No GPS tracking devices for FR rescuers - Need for durable drone lenses - Need for wearable safety gear |
Situational awareness | - Absence of gas leak detection devices - Lack of night vision in drones - Devices needed to differentiate between living and deceased victims | |
Theme 5: Disaster management | Logistics | - Need for a coordination hub - Need for regional logistics hub - Road blockages hindering rescue and transport - Transportation difficulties |
Coordination | - Lack of task allocation - Inefficiency in managing teams arriving from different cities - Lack of pre-disaster building data | |
Theme 6: Challenges | Occupational health and safety | - Sharp metal debris causing injuries - Gas leaks in work areas - Dust and debris leading to eye infections - Encountering death threats |
Psychological and Emotional Stress | - Emotional impact of children casualties and death bodies - Feeling guilty about not being able to save earthquake victims - Witnessing sadness of people searching for relatives - Psychological pressure from continuous exposure to death and casualties - Heavy emotional burden on rescue teams | |
Physical needs | - Cold weather and rain affecting rescue operations - Shortages of food and water - Exhaustion from long working hours - Inadequate protective and durable clothing |