Can people who use wheelchairs use roller coaster? Understand the risks

Case of man’s death to Universal Park, the United States, raise security questions

The death of 32 -year -old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala in a Russian mountain in the Universal Park in the United States began a debate on the risks for people with disabilities in radical toys. He wore a wheelchair due to the atrophy of the spinal cord and had no medical restrictions to use the attraction, according to the family, but suffered multiple injuries for blunt impacts and could not resist.

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The episode raises the question: after all, people who use wheelchairs can go to the Russian mountains? Experts explain that the answer is not simple and depends on individual diagnosis, associated clinical conditions and the structure of the safety of the parks.

According to the physiatrist doctor Dr. Sergio Akira Horita, of the São Luiz Italian (d’Or Network) hospital, the use of the wheelchair alone is not an automatic ban. What should be evaluated are health conditions:

• The instability of the spine or severe scoliosis increases the risk of spinal cord injury;
• Bone fragility or osteoporosis can lead to impact fractures;
• Difficulty maintaining the neck and trunk increases the risk in turn and accelerations;
• Cardiac disease or unsuccessful hypertension increases the possibilities of arrhythmia or cardiovascular events;
• Controlled epilepsy Untt can be triggered by intense attraction stimuli.

“A medical certificate without restrictions does not necessarily mean that the body is ready to support the acceleration and forces of impact of a Russian mountain,” explains Horita.

According to physiatrist Dr. Marcelo Ares, Aacd’s medical coordinator, the impacts of a radical toy can also take risks for people without disabilities. “Russian mountains cause pressure, emotional and physical changes. In individuals with fragile bones or muscles, there is a higher risk of fractures and muscle breaks,” he says.

Doctors point out that the main risks include:

• Lesion of the cervical whisk, caused by sudden movements of the head;
• Vertebral compression or fractures, in case of bone fragility;
• Loss of consciousness, by redistribution of blood during acceleration;
• Thoracic and abdominal impacts, which can cause internal trauma.

Tips to maintain safety

To ensure greater safety, Horita claims that the parks invest in adapted seats, with more points, supports and equipment of the neck and trunk that facilitate the transfer of the wheelchair to the seat. In addition, specific protocols of evacuation and team training are essential to serve people with reduced mobility.

Ares underlines the importance of shared responsibility: “It is up to the park to offer universal security conditions, but also for the individual to know his diagnosis and consider the risks before entering a radical attraction”.

Experts recommend to people with disabilities or health conditions previously consult a doctor before going to radical toys. It is also essential to look for information in the parks, which usually bring specific rules on who can or not take some attractions.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.