PLEASE be aware that this scientific article discusses the grim realities of war and its impact on human lives. It contains sensitive content related to war and death, which may not be suitable for all readers.
In times of war, human lives are tragically cut short by a multitude of deadly events. From the wreckage of demolished homes to the thunderous explosions of bombs, the horrors of war leave behind a chilling trail of statistics.
This article will examine the primary medical causes of death associated with various lethal events during times of conflict.
1. The Menace of Bombs
The deafening roar of bombs signals a sinister cause of death in war zones. The primary reason behind these fatalities is blast injuries and shrapnel wounds. The sheer intensity of the explosion and the lethal fragments it scatters can swiftly claim lives.
2. Death Under the Rubble
For those trapped beneath the rubble of their homes, the main cause of death is suffocation. As buildings collapse, they create a deadly prison, depriving people of oxygen.
3. Siege Conditions
In a siege, when a place is surrounded and cut off from vital resources like water, energy, gas, food, and medical supplies, it creates a dire situation known as a siege. In such circumstances, the main cause of death is starvation and dehydration. People within the besieged area are deprived of the basic necessities for survival.
The deliberate disruption of water supply systems in a siege can quickly lead to dehydration and its associated health complications. Clean drinking water is essential for life, and the absence of it can lead to a severe public health crisis, with water-borne diseases becoming more prevalent.
The lack of food in a besieged area results in malnutrition, hunger, and eventually, starvation. The human body requires a steady supply of nutrients to function properly. The absence of food can cause a decline in physical health, cognitive functioning, and overall well-being.
When access to gas and energy sources is cut off, it can result in a lack of cooking facilities and, most importantly, electricity. This can have direct health consequences, leaving hospitals without electricity and causing people to struggle to survive in harsh conditions while trying to cook food if it’s available.
In a besieged area, access to essential medical supplies, including medications and anaesthesia, becomes severely limited. This scarcity of medical resources can lead to dire consequences for those in need of medical care. In such conditions, one of the most harrowing aspects is the necessity for medical procedures, including surgeries, to be performed without proper anaesthesia. Surgical procedures that would typically be conducted with anaesthesia must be carried out under extremely painful and traumatic conditions. Even minor injuries can become life-threatening when access to necessary medical care is restricted.
Now, let’s venture a guess regarding the leading cause of death for the individuals at Al Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza. Imagine a scenario where a bomb falls from the sky, targeting a hospital that already lacks essential medical supplies, leading to the collapse of the building on the patients, their families, and the medical staff inside?
Our prayers have been, are, and will forever be with Palestine and Gaza.
ammar.shakr@gmail.com
&uuid=(email))