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Free Fall Amusement Turns to Terror

With more than 400 amusement parks across the United States, it’s not surprising that Advanced Bio Treatment occasionally sends out a team of technicians to conduct a trauma cleanup involving blood cleanup or bodily fluid cleanup at a roller coaster thrill park or a water park.  Most amusement park situations involve minor injuries, but there are the occasional that involve recovering from major trauma, sometimes involving multiple park-goers, and other times a tragic death.  Advanced Bio Treatment helped an amusement park recently in Atlantic City, New Jersey recover from a terrible accident that resulted in tremendous loss, lawsuits, and even petitions to Congress to change the way amusement parks are regulated.  Due to pending litigation, names have been changed to protect identity.

It was Brittany’s fifteenth birthday, and she and four friends convinced their parents to drive for over an hour to an amusement park in Atlantic City to celebrate together.  They spent the day riding every single roller coaster and all of the scariest rides, saving The Gasp of Terror for their final thrill.   A drop tower ride that whisks screaming riders upward in excess of 150 feet into the air and then suddenly drops them in free-fall is certainly worthy of a grand finale.  Their day was coming to an end as the sun set after a two hour wait in line and finally next in line at The Gasp of Terror.  Brittany clearly remembers the costumed ride operator stating in his lowest, scariest voice with his arm outstretched to an exit to the right

You’ve reached your destination. It’s your last chance to walk away…

Little did she know how his scripted words would foreshadow her future just moments later.  Giggling, she and her friends took their seats and strapped into the ride, ready for the thrill of their lives.  During the ascent portion of the ride, a cable snapped and fell into the seating compartment of Brittany and one of her friends.

Everyone on our side of the ride started screaming and yelling as the cable began to fall and pile into our seats.  Brittany and I quickly unraveled the part of the cable that was around her upper body, but it was still tangled around Brittany’s legs when we reached the top.  My biggest fear in those few seconds was that the ride would be stalled, leaving us all the way up there stuck.  It didn’t occur to me that the cable could still hurt anyone.  It all happened so quick on the way down, but I remember Brittany hunching forward and kicking.

Fast Actions Save a Life

When the ride came to a sudden stop about 20 feet from the ground, there were people on the ground screaming, but Brittany was quiet, losing blood quickly.  One of her feet had been completely severed by the cable entangled around her foot, and the body part had landed among the park-goers below waiting in line.  Additionally, both of her upper legs were broken.  She was already in shock, and her survival would depend on the swiftness of those around her.

Amusement park patrons quickly removed Brittany from the ride, elevated her legs, used torn clothing to create tourniquets, and located a doctor to help.   Thanks to the fast acting and resourcefulness of everyone who rushed to Brittany’s side, not only did Brittany survive, but surgeons were able to reattach her right foot.  Brittany now advocates for amusement park safety and regulations to ensure the safety of visitors.

Who Cleans Blood and Biohazards After an Accident

It is a common and complete misconception that blood cleanup, body fluid cleanup, and all of the biohazards associated with an accident or trauma are cleaned up by the first responders or ambulance staff.  It is in fact the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that an area exposed to blood, biological material, or biohazards is decontaminated and thoroughly cleaned before allowing others to use that space.  Advanced Bio Treatment took on the task of recovering the areas surrounding The Gasp of Terror after Brittany’s terrible accident.  Not only was there a tremendous amount of blood on the ground and railings surrounding the ride, but there was body tissue and blood entangled in the cable and machinery of the ride that had to be removed and disinfected.  Although there was speculation at the time if the ride would reopen, it was still essential that all biohazard material be removed to ensure the safety of the mechanics and workers that would disassemble the structural components of the ride.

Advanced Bio Treatment is proud to step up to help families and businesses in New Jersey and all around the United States in their times of need.  If you find yourself in need of biohazard removal or cleanup, accident cleanup or trauma scene recovery, call our experienced, professional team at Advanced Bio Treatment 24-hours a day, 365 days a year at 1-800-295-1684.

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Ted Pelot Owner & President of Crime Scene Cleanup Company - Advanced Bio-Treatment