Agreement between Disney Parks and Mylan Inc to Provide EpiPen Access in Theme Parks

POSTED: Mon, 11/10/2014 - 16:02 | POSTED BY: Traci C.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Mylan Inc, the maker of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr, recently signed a multi-year agreement that will provide guests with access to EpiPes in Disney's domestic theme parks and on Disney Cruise Line ships.

A sample of the new updated park maps with EpiPen locations

The agreement is meant to increase awareness of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. The agreement includes all new maps and signs in the theme parks indicating locations with EpiPen and EpiPen Jr.

The parks' guide maps will feature an EpiPen Auto-Injector symbol to indicate the EpiPen location.

The EpiPen locations at the Disney theme parks and on Disney Cruise Line will be rolled out before the end of 2014. The parks' First Aid locations will also staff nurses during park hours who are trained to administer EpiPen.

"For our guests who live with severe allergies every day, identifying EpiPen locations is an additional tool they'll have for their anaphylaxis management plan," said Dr. Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "This new strategic alliance will help raise awareness of EpiPen locations so that our Guests with severe allergies may have the best possible experience at our parks and on our cruise ships."

Disney and Mylan also plan to introduce a variety of educational resources to help increase awareness of and preparedness for severe allergic reactions.

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BethW wrote on Tue, 11/11/2014 - 12:35:

Most people who are aware of their sensitivity carry their own pens.
While I think it is great for those who may not know they have allergies they may require an EpiPen, I believe there is a very small window of time when you need to use the pen. By the time someone finds the "pen center", retrieves it and then administers it, you are talking about a lot of time. That is even if the person can get themselves to the location. Though it is a noble effort for Disney to provide these and to "Put them on the maps" it may be a bit much.
What about other Life threatening needs, I for one am diabetic, do you have fast acting glucose available for those who are experiencing a extreme low sugar episode? Not from my experience.
I have had this happen once in MK and when I went to the nurses station I had to wait for the EMT to arrive, to then administer a Finger prick to determine my low, It was 62, (though not severely low it was low enough for concern of it going lower quickly.) The solution provided by the nurses' station, Two pieces of Hard Candy from the Lobby of the Station, that they just happened to have out on the counter!!!! Now yes, I could have bought a soda at any point, but I did not Know I had such a low blood sugar, I thought it was something other since I had been eating all day. It may be good PR for Disney to provide EpiPens but they are opening a very big door for others who feel they should provide them similar medial assistance.

AmandaM wrote on Tue, 11/11/2014 - 15:52:

BethW, Epipens do not have a small window of use, often they must be continually used until the patient can get to a hospital. That is why they come in 2-packs. The fist one should be given at onset of anaphylaxis symptoms and again if sympotoms flair up again. There have been cases where people have needed to administer multiple epis all the way to the ER and it's fortunate that ambulences and medics have them available. I carry 2 injectors with me everywhere I go and am greatful that Disney is now stocking them for those who may not know they need them or need additional injections. It's great that Disney had what you needed available quickly, and candy/soda is available all over the parks however Epi is still a prescription medication that many first time reactors aren't going to have. This is a continuing trend from stocking Epi in schools, which has been saving lives. It really isn't any different than the automatic defibs that are stationed with first aide kits.

Kendra Kroll wrote on Tue, 11/11/2014 - 17:27:

Agree with BethW about the time-is-of-the-essence factor... important to always WEAR EpiPen on the body while at the park to avoid having to go find one if having an emergency. One way to do this is with PortaPocket...use a Tall pocket to fit 1-2 EpiPens, or the Large pocket if you use Auvi-Q instead....either size can be worn almost anywhere on the body, and either under or over the clothing. Not good to keep these in a separate bag, either, as some attractions won't let you take that with you. Keep your vital things CLOSER. and help yourself.
:)