First aid in the parks during covid

[Bre23]

Has anyone utilized the first aid stations since reopening and social distancing? We regularly utilize first aid for charging my moms oxygen concentrator, using her nebulizer etc.

Usually I try to stay with her during this so we can make sure everything is accounted for and done properly. Does anyone know what the protocols are? Will they give us a hard time if me and/or my 13 year old stays with my mom to help her out for a little?

we have a trip in June so I’m trying to plan and have a backup plan for the plan just in case.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Has anyone utilized the first aid stations since reopening and social distancing? We regularly utilize first aid for charging my moms oxygen concentrator, using her nebulizer etc.

Usually I try to stay with her during this so we can make sure everything is accounted for and done properly. Does anyone know what the protocols are? Will they give us a hard time if me and/or my 13 year old stays with my mom to help her out for a little?

we have a trip in June so I’m trying to plan and have a backup plan for the plan just in case.

can not say for sure but I would not plan on 2 of you being able to go with her. I would have a back up plan in case they would be full because of less people allowed in with social distancing

 

[Starwind]

We haven't been since Dec 2019 so I do not know their current policies re: number of people allowed in at a time.

However, another possible issue to consider -- and this may not be an issue at all !!! -- is that it is possible that nebulizer treatments may not be allowed inside the first aid centres or they may have special proceedures for using them that they did not used to have pre-pandemic.

Nebulizers produce aerosols which are a risky activity during the pandemic. While clearly that is an issue if the patient has or is suspected of having covid, healthcare guidance has also extended additional precautions and changes regarding the use of nebulizers beyond just that context in order to protect healthcare workers and others in proximity [eg per American Lung Association if using a neb at home indoors, using it in "A room away from other people. Choose a room where the air is not recirculated and nobody else will enter for 1-2 hours. This ensures the droplets are no longer airborne."].

I have no idea if Disney has implemented any changes re: use of nebulizers in their first aid centres or not. Hopefully someone who knows is able to chime in.

On trips before the pandemic I've used my own neb in WDW first aid more than once [and have been happy to have such a great place to do it -- much better than while sitting on a bench or planter, which I have also done!]. If I were to visit during the pandemic, I would reach out to Disability Services in advance to find out what their current policy is so I could be prepared.

SW

 

[mamabunny]

We haven't been since Dec 2019 so I do not know their current policies re: number of people allowed in at a time.

However, another possible issue to consider -- and this may not be an issue at all !!! -- is that it is possible that nebulizer treatments may not be allowed inside the first aid centres or they may have special proceedures for using them that they did not used to have pre-pandemic.

Nebulizers produce aerosols which are a risky activity during the pandemic. While clearly that is an issue if the patient has or is suspected of having covid, healthcare guidance has also extended additional precautions and changes regarding the use of nebulizers beyond just that context in order to protect healthcare workers and others in proximity [eg per American Lung Association if using a neb at home indoors, using it in "A room away from other people. Choose a room where the air is not recirculated and nobody else will enter for 1-2 hours. This ensures the droplets are no longer airborne."].

I have no idea if Disney has implemented any changes re: use of nebulizers in their first aid centres or not. Hopefully someone who knows is able to chime in.

On trips before the pandemic I've used my own neb in WDW first aid more than once [and have been happy to have such a great place to do it -- much better than while sitting on a bench or planter, which I have also done!]. If I were to visit during the pandemic, I would reach out to Disability Services in advance to find out what their current policy is so I could be prepared.

SW

@Bre23 So, just to add to my friend @Starwind's excellent advice, I would *call* Disability Services in this case, and ask them your question, just to make sure!

Call Disability Services at (407) 560-2547 or email disability.services@disneyparks.com. (Personally, I would call! )

 

[Bre23]

Wow that’s something I never even thought about thanks for the great advice!

 

[SueM in MN]

Starwind made a very good point.
I am a Hospital Infection Preventionist- in the hospital setting, using a nebulizer is considered an aerosolizing procedure and does require special procedures/precautions.
Infection Prevention procedures do allow for a second person if the patient needs require it - our local clinics and Hospitals are doing that. I expect WDW First Aid will do the same, asking the guest to come in alone or with no more than 1 person if needed.

I agree with contacting WDW disability services, especially for your nebulizer and charging questions. First Aid is a contracted service, so you will probably get the best answer by asking the person you get to either contact First Aid with your question or ask if they can connect you with First Aid at one of the parks.

CDC has hospital guidelines, but the guidelines that might be most helpful could be the school guidelines, updated March 17, 2021. They are meant for people who are well, but have a chronic condition.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.htmlUsing an inhaler, either with or without spacer, is NOT considered an aerosol generating procedure. The school guidelines suggest using an inhaler is the preferred option for safety, if it’s possible for the person to use.