What is the critical time frame known as the "golden hours" for survival following an earthquake?

The term "golden hours" refers to the crucial time immediately following a disaster, such as an earthquake, during which the chances of successfully rescuing people trapped in the debris are significantly higher. The time frame recognized by many emergency response professionals for optimal intervention is typically within the first 24 to 36 hours after an event. During this period, survivors are more likely to be in a condition where they can be effectively rescued, as they can still communicate and may have had limited exposure to life-threatening physical conditions such as dehydration or hypothermia.

This critical window is based on various factors, including the human body's limitation in sustaining life without water and the typical responses of rescue operations that can begin to slow down or become more complicated as time passes beyond this period. After approximately 36 hours, the probability of survival decreases more sharply, making the time frame specified a widely accepted guideline in search and rescue operations following earthquakes or similar catastrophic events.