Emergency at WDW

[lucyanna girl]

Moderators, I'm not sure this is the correct place for this post but I think it is important that it be seen by as many DISers as possible.

Some of you may have seen the thread about my DD on the community board. She became seriously ill late last Sunday night while we were staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. I loaded her into the car and set out for the urgent care center by the Crossroads. It was closed and my next stop was Downtown Disney where I got directions to the Sand Lake Hospital. Long story made as short as possible, I got lost and wasted valuable time. Thank goodness, after surgery, she is recovering.

My point is this, we should never leave home to stay at a hotel without printing out clear instructions on how to reach the nearest hospital.

If I realized just how serious DD's situation was I would have called 911 but in the beginning I did not know just how seriously ill she was. We worry about gathering up all the things that help make our trip easier like sun screen and mole skin and all the little tricks we have learned but sometimes overlook the most important ones.
Please be smarter than I was. It could save someone you love.
Penny

 

[Tosie]

Glad to hear your dd is OK! That is so scary!!

For future reference, there is a shuttle that will pick you up and take you to the Urgent Care facility. The information on how to contact them is located in one of the brochures Disney gives you when you first check in, or maybe it is already in the room, I can't remember.

Depending on the severity of the problem, 911 may be a better option, but we utilized the shuttle service last year and it worked out fine for us. They bring you back to your hotel also.

 

[NJBlackBerry]

When I had to make a hospital run (in the middle of the night) while at BCV, the Front Desk had directions to Celebration Hospital, which I believe must be the closest to WDW.

Glad DD is better.

 

[bicker]

Ah Sand Lake Hospital. I remember it well. Glad we didn't get lost getting there.... we might not have been as lucky as you were!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

While pregnant last year in WDW, i had to go to the emergency room and not only did the front desk at POP have directions to Celebration Hospital, they offered us a cab and paid for it and a card to call for a return cab it was truly a great experience on behalf of Disney and i am glad all turned out well with me too

This is a good thread

 

[SueM in MN]

Good reminder.
There is information in the "check in" packet, but the front desk should always be able to help you out also.

 

[goofydad621]

GLad things have worked out for your daughter, it does make for scary times. We woke up one morning thining that my wife had a miscarraige during the night. Spent the day over at SLRH. Things worked out for us also, Michelle was 3 months later, still 10 weeks premie but she was was healthy and has never looked back, she just turned 8 last Feb.

Thanks for the great tip

Dave Goofydad Dionne

 

[Harmony]

For 'non-emergency' situations, you can also call a doctor to the room. We used that service last summer when my son came down with a virus. Luckily, it didn't last for more than 14hrs! Whew!

I'm so happy that things worked out for you and your daughter!

 

[JERSEYDISFAN]

When you travel away from home, you leave your doctor(s), pharmacists and hospitals behind. None of these medical professionals can help you effectively should you have an emergency while traveling. Here's what my DW and I do and strongly recommend it to you since you NEVER KNOW when an emergency will strike.

Besides current and emergency medications I always carry:
1) a listing of contact information for my doctors - allergist, cardiologist(s)
2) a list of medications/frequencies I take them (updated the week of my trip)
3) a medical printout of the type and settings of my pacemaker/ICD
4) a Yahoo map of the nearest, highly-rated emergency and cardiac facilities
5) medical insurance identification cards

Your "take with" list will differ somewhat. Take a few minutes to think, "If I were at WDW and had an emergency with (spouse, child, etc.) what would I need to get them quick, appropriate medical assistance?" In some serious, cronic situations, a copy of your doctor's written medical history, diagnosis and treatment might prove to be extremely helpful.

Lastly, NEVER, NEVER hesitate to call 911! Especially in a strange city. As a retired firefighter/first-responder I can't count the number of times I have told embarrassed individuals, "Don't feel embarrassed for calling us, we'd much rather respond to 100 calls like this where there is nothing seriously wrong then to miss even one where we could have made a difference." Every EMT, Police/Fire first-responder I know will tell you this exact same thing.

 

[mickeymom55]

Thank you so much for your story. I have to admit, I've never given emergency medical care a thought when on vacation. I guess I'm one of those people who figures -"I'm on vacation - what could go wrong!" Feeling rather foolish after your story! So glad your DD is fine. Again - thanks.

 

[sfbank]

Glad everything turned out ok and your DD is better!! Thanks for the info!

 

[babiesX2]

Thanks for the friendly reminder!

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

Good reminder...glad everything worked out for your daugheter.

 

[luv2nascar]

A very important reminder. My DF collapsed in the drive way tues night and my mom called 911. My healthy 59 yr old father coded in the ambulance and the EMTs brought him back. They told my mom if she had tried to get him to the hospital he would have died in the car. Don't be afraid to call 911 for emergencies and knowing how to get to the hospital is great advise also.

 

[Jennasis]

THIS is a terrific thread. Something so important, yet so not thought of, when planning a vacation (to WDW or anywhere). Sure "I" know what meds I'm on and how much etc...but would my DH or anybody else know if I was passed out or unable to communicate to them? Not that we all need to wear medical ID bracelets (unless you NEED to wear one for medical reasons) but keeping a copy in your purse/fannypack etc and telling everyone in your party where this info is is a great idea. Also getting directions to the nearest hospital or urgent care center is great. Also, remember that Disney is great about handling medical emergencies. One trip many moons ago, my dad had a life threatening asthma attack in Epcot in line for Kitchen Kabaret. Disney security whisked him to a waiting ambulance where he was taken straight to the hospital (I don't know which one). He was treated and released and brought right back to the hotel courtesy of Disney. Let Disney help whenever possible!

GREAT THREAD!

Ps...glad Sarah is feeling better!

 

[jockey]

Thanks for all the info, I have made lots of notes! Glad everything worked out for your DD!

 

[kimbac3]

Great thread! We are staying offsite so we won't have the luxury of the front desk for help. I will be printing out directions from our rental home to the nearest hospitals.
Glad your daughter is home and feeling better!!
Kimba

 

[drp4video]

THis IS a great thread. I never thought about what I would do in an emergency situation at WDW> THank you for opening my eyes!

 

[mlholster]

Great ideas. I also thought about this since we had a child come down with pnuemonia, we were at the Fairway Villas. He was fine, thankfully. When he got braces I had his doctor print out some orthidontis (sp) in the area. We had to visit one when on one of our trips, a broken wire that was pushing in his gums. The doctor was great, and easy to find.
Also I found out the names of La Leche League leaders in case we had any problems with our babies, since you are so out of your element there.
Just another thought.
Lynn

 

[LWcalif]

We did end up at Urgent Care one day with DD. Fortunately, we had a rental car and it was something that meds could take care of. Never thought of something more serious happening. I will definitely be more prepared next time. Good thread. You just never know.