Earthquake Survival Strategies: Potential Advantages of the Fetal Position in the Triangle of Life to Survive Over the Drop, Cover, and Hold On

Alpar, Suleyman2026-01-312026-01-3120251935-78931938-744Xhttps://doi.org./10.1017/dmp.2025.10116https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12662/10670This article explores 2 key earthquake survival strategies: the widely endorsed Drop, Cover, and Hold On (DCH) method and the alternative fetal position within a survival triangle. While DCH provides mechanical protection from falling debris, its effectiveness in scenarios involving structural collapse and prolonged entrapment remains uncertain. Drawing on recent field data and thermodynamic considerations, this paper argues that the fetal position may offer survival advantages by minimizing heat loss and conserving metabolic energy-especially under cold conditions and delayed rescue. We emphasize the need for context-sensitive public safety guidance and further comparative research to inform adaptive earthquake preparedness protocols.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessEarthquakesDisaster PlanningSurvivalBody PositionHypothermiaSearch and RescueEmergency Medical ServicesDisaster MedicineEarthquake Survival Strategies: Potential Advantages of the Fetal Position in the Triangle of Life to Survive Over the Drop, Cover, and Hold OnLetter10.1017/dmp.2025.101162-s2.0-10501011369940621650Q219WOS:001523348800001Q3