Press Release: Newstream
September 7, 2001
Using the latest technology to enhance life-saving capabilities in medical emergencies, the Disneyland® and
Walt Disney World® Resorts and Disney Cruise Line will deploy a combined total of approximately 500 automated
external defibrillators (AEDs) across both properties within a year, it was announced today by Paul Pressler, chairman
of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
While paramedics serving both resorts are well equipped to handle emergencies, Disney made the decision to invest
in AEDs because emergency medical experts recognize them as important technology-based tools that improve the survival
chances of cardiac arrest victims.
"The American Heart Association applauds Disney for taking this very important and progressive step in using
technology to improve the chain of survival for their Guests and Cast Members," said Vinay Nadkarni, M.D.,
Chairman of the American Heart Association's Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee. "This effort represents
one of the largest private deployments of AEDs in the United States. In emergencies and sudden cardiac arrest,
immediate access to AEDs and trained rescuers can mean the difference between life or death."
AEDs are simple, compact devices that save lives by accurately recognizing and treating the most common cause of
sudden cardiac arrest. Adhesive electrode pads are attached to the chest. When the AED is turned on, a microprocessor
inside the defibrillator automatically analyzes the patient's heart rhythm and advises the rescuer whether a shock
is needed. If appropriate, the life-saving electric current is delivered through the adhesive pads.
"AEDs have been demonstrated to be simple, safe and effective," Dr. Nadkami said.
Pressler added, "This major deployment is one more way to demonstrate our commitment to ensuring the safety
and well being of our Guests and Cast. Automated external defibrillators are proven, easy-to-use lifesavers in
cases of sudden cardiac arrest. They add one more valuable tool to our emergency medical response capability."
Defibrillators will be located at the Disneyland® Resort in both theme parks, three hotels, Downtown Disney®,
and the Disneyland® Resort parking structure. At the Walt Disney World® Resort, they will be located in
all four theme parks, three water parks, all golf courses, 18 resort hotels and in many Cast buildings. In addition,
both Disney Cruise Line ships and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, will deploy public-access AEDs within
a year.
People who are appropriately trained in CPR and AED use can operate the AEDs located in public areas. According
to the American Heart Association, more than 1.1 million heart attacks occur each year in the United States, and
220,000 deaths occur due to cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association also noted that when a person suffers
a sudden cardiac arrest, their chances of survival decrease approximately seven percent to 10 percent for each
minute that passes without defibrillation.
Currently at the Disneyland® Resort, there are four emergency medical service facilities, as well as four full-time
paramedics who are equipped with traditional defibrillators who are on duty 24 hours a day to respond to 911 calls
immediately.
At Walt Disney World®, there are three emergency medical facilities located on property that are able to respond
to 911 calls, along with Medical Assistance Response
Carts (MARC) stationed at its four theme parks. The MARC vehicles all are equipped with traditional defibrillators
for use by paramedics.
Disneyland® Resort plans to install its approximately 90 AEDs in two phases. Phase one implementation will
begin this month at the theme parks. The Disneyland® Resort hotel properties will be included in the second
phase of the project. Implementation will be completed by end of year.
At Walt Disney World®, the company will begin to deploy about 100 AEDs at water parks and at lifeguard stations
at Disney's 18 hotels. The remainder of the first-phase AEDs will be located behind the scenes and will be installed
by the end of summer. The second phase will begin in the fall and will include installation of nearly 300 AEDs
at golf courses, inside all hotels and on board Disney Cruise Line ships. Phase two will be completed by June 2002.
Disney has also begun an extensive training program for Cast Members at both Resorts to become appropriately trained
in CPR and AED use.
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Produced for Walt Disney Theme Parks & Resorts
Contacts:
Disneyland Resort Ray Gomez Chela Castano-Lenahan (714) 781-4614 Walt Disney World Resort Rena Callahan (407) 828-3814
SOURCE: Newstream