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Over a one year study period, 182 accident events at amusement parks were reported in the news from 38 countries. 51 events involved a fatality. Mechanical rides and roller coasters were involved in 87 events.
- The risk of injury associated with spending a day at an amusement park is very low, but not non-existent.
- The high g forces of certain thrill rides (ie roller coasters) can predispose to injury in some children and adolescents with preexisting medical conditions.
- Among the conditions that are considered contraindications to exposure to high g force or other thrill rides are Marfan syndrome, Down syndrome, hypermobility-related disorders, coagulation disorders, and many cardiac disorders, particularly ones with rhythm abnormalities.
References
Woodcock K. Global incidence of theme park and amusement ride accidents. Safety Sci. 2019; 119:171-179.
Pelletier AR, Gilchrist J. Roller coaster related fatalities, United States, 1994--2004. Inj Prev. 2005 Oct;11(5):309-12. doi: 10.1136/ip.2005.008425. PMID: 16203841; PMCID: PMC1730261.
AAP. Question of the Week. June 2, 2021.