06.03.2025 15:30
Dr. Müslüm Süngü, an Internal Medicine Specialist, commented on the survival of Ece Gürel, who was found in Belgrad Forest after 4 days despite hunger and cold weather, saying, "3-4 days can be a sufficient period to stay alive. Factors such as ambient temperature, age, pre-existing health conditions, and the level of hunger and thirst before the incident can affect the duration of survival. If she had waited a little longer, we could have received bad news."
After going for a walk in the Belgrade Forest, landscape architect Ece Gürel, who was not heard from, was found by search and rescue teams just before freezing. It has become a matter of curiosity how Gürel managed to survive against hunger and cold weather. Dr. Müslüm Süngü, an Internal Medicine Specialist from Medipol Bahçelievler Hospital, provided information on the subject.
"DEHYDRATION POSES A LIFE-THREATENING RISK AFTER 3 DAYS"
Stating that the duration of survival can vary depending on factors such as ambient temperature, age, pre-existing diseases, and the state of hunger or thirst before the incident, Dr. Süngü said, "It is possible to survive for three days, but during this time, weakness, confusion, various changes in the body, dysfunctions in organ functions, and negative changes in the body's ions and minerals that can harm health may occur. As the duration extends, these risks increase further," he stated.
"RAIN PUDDLES IN WOODED AREAS CAN BE LIFE-SAVING"
Emphasizing that the environment plays a significant role in the survival process, Dr. Süngü noted, "Ece Gürel was found in a forest in Istanbul. There, she may have benefited from small rain puddles or survived by consuming some plants. However, we have seen in the past that people remained hungry and thirsty for 6-8 days during the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş and Adıyaman. As time extended, some individuals managed to survive by consuming liquids they could find in the environment. However, many people rescued after 8-10 days had to be admitted to intensive care due to multiple organ failure and kidney failure," he stated.
"HYPOTHERMIA INCREASES THE RISK OF DEATH"
Addressing the effects of cold weather on the body, Dr. Süngü pointed out that hypothermia poses a serious risk, stating, "The normal temperature of our body is 37 degrees Celsius. If this temperature drops below 35 degrees, hypothermia begins. When it falls below 32 degrees, the risk of death significantly increases. Ece Gürel was found in a wooded area during the winter months. Due to not having a protective jacket and remaining immobile for a long time, her body temperature may have gradually decreased. If she had not been found a few days later, we could have faced a worse scenario," he said.
"HUNGER AND THIRST CONSUME MUSCLE AND FAT TISSUES IN THE BODY"
Discussing the physiological effects of hunger and thirst, Dr. Süngü stated, "During this process, the body begins to consume its own energy sources to survive. Initially, dry mouth and confusion occur. Subsequently, imbalances in the mineral and ion levels in the body arise. Particularly, heart rhythm disorders are frequently observed. As the duration of hunger extends, the body first consumes its glucose reserves. Then it begins to use proteins and fats as energy sources. With the melting of muscle and fat tissues, the person gradually weakens. During this process, the risk of rhythm disorders and death also significantly increases," he stated.