The 411 on 911s at Disney

When someone requests Central First Aid at a Disney park, the "Code-1" call goes out on the radio, letting everyone know that CFA has been dispatched. It's upgraded to a "Code-2" when the paramedics are called; obviously, things are more serious. Managers tend to come on the run when a Code-2 is put out. You don't want to see a Code-3. That's imminent danger of life, and paramedics come onstage.

I've seen all three in my time working for Disney, and launched a few Code-1's on behalf of someone at my restaurant. But this past weekend while at Blizzard Beach, my party initiated a Code-2. Someone in our party who is a little advanced in age had trouble after climbing up the main mountain, feeling both dizzy and nauseous. Just as the nurse was getting settled, she passed out completely, still sitting up (we propped her up).

The nurse moved her to lying down, while calling on the radio for upgrading the case (I didn't hear the exact wording, but four minutes later I heard the wail of the ambulance nearby). Meanwhile regular guest passers-by jumped in. They were obviously trained medical personnel of various kinds; they knew what to do and they didn't ask permission (nor did they apologize) for elbowing aside the family members. Good for them.

Water was used externally to cool her down, chemical ice packs were broken (some of them by the regular guests, who knew what to do). Good thing the nurse had a medical kit with her (pictured).

It turned out to be just dehydration and too much exertion. Color returned slowly to her skin. She was taken by wheelchair down the one gondola on the ski lift, and led to the ambulance (which was parked just backstage, near the Tyke's Peak kids area). There, she was given an EKG, vitals were checked, and so on.

She was fine. Disney, through it all, offered not just medical care but also drinks. While waiting for the ambulance tests, we were offered frozen lemonade too. Later, they kept handing drinks and Powerade to the affected member of our party. Needless to say, after the clean bill of health she just wanted to head home (she lives locally).

Disney did a tremendous job. I asked about payment - no payment is expected or due (or probably even possible). When Reedy Creek paramedics come out, Disney foots the bill apparently. Had she gone to the hospital, there would be costs, but otherwise everything was free. Presumably, they don't want lawsuits and thus err on the side of caution, which is wise.

While backstage near the ambulance, we saw the pumps for the water park, and giant nearby chlorine tanks. Not a sight you see every day!