Disney Death Response Time Explained
Rescue workers have explained why it took them 11 minutes to get to an injured Disney stuntman.
ORLANDO, Fla. --
Rescue workers have explained why it took them 11 minutes to get to a Disney stuntman after he fell and broke his neck while rehearsing for the "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Show" at Hollywood Studios.
A Disney cast member called 911 Monday night while other cast members tried in vain to save Anislav Varbanov.
"I know it seems like it's taking them forever to get there, but you're doing a great job. I know it's rough because you're not right there," the 911 dispatcher told the caller while people on the scene performed CPR on the injured stuntman.
It took an ambulance 11 minutes from the time the call was placed to arrive at Varbanov's side, by that time, he was not breathing and he later died.
The 30-year-old Disney stunt performer died from a cervical spine fracture he sustained during a tumbling roll.
The Reedy Creek emergency services deputy chief said the ambulance assigned to Hollywood Studios was already on another call, and two ambulances stationed nearby were also busy.
A representative said the dispatcher sent the next closest unit, which was leaving Celebration Hospital.
Reedy Creek said their average response time is five to seven minutes.
Disney issued the following statement after his death:
"We've lost a valued cast member, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and coworkers as we mourn his passing."
Varbanov's death marks the third time in the last seven weeks that a Walt Disney World employee has died while working at one of the Disney parks.
The accident is still under investigation.
The stunt show was closed on Tuesday and Wednesday to give Varbanov's co-workers time to grieve.
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