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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Ride operators at theme park.

249 replies

itsgettingweird · 12/08/2022 20:52

So went to a theme park today with ds and his friends.

It was a lovely day and very quiet compared to usual visits this time of year.

I don't do lots of rides - I'm happy to bag sit!

But use a few and tend to do my favourite 2-3 times.

The last time we went on this ride today the operator was checking the seat belts. This is usual. Then didn't even look or communicate with me but pushed the overhead barrier down so hard I couldn't get a proper breath in and it's left one of my nipples very sore (bruised?)

Ds and I were both waving to get the attention of attendants but they didn't notice and by the time I got to the end I was really dizzy from struggling to breathe and the pain in my breast (I'm not exactly huge!)

As I got off the ride I went more dizzy so sat down on the step. Ds explained to the man about the breathing and his advice?

"If you need first aid there's a centre at x point" (over 300m away from where I was sat unable to stand up.

I did retort if I was well enough to stand up I wouldn't need to walk to first aid.

I reported to park management team wandering around but he said he can't do anything. To which I said - well he could report it but I'll be emailing because both situations were unacceptable and I know it's not the norm as I visit a lot and use that ride a lot.

I guess not really AIBU because I'm not - but I guess am I being unreasonable to think that's bad training re sending people almost passed out alone to walk to first aid?

OP posts:
NumberTheory · 13/08/2022 05:07

Crimsonripple · 13/08/2022 03:27

Then email the Theme Park rather than bleating on here. You do sound overly dramatic, most people would just get on with it. I also have never been on a ride where the restraints are that snug! I wish they were!!

Why is that an either/or? It’s in the OP that she’s emailing.

Of course you read that and took it in, didn’t you? You didn’t just have a knee jerk, kick a poster after a bad experience reaction regardless of what she’s said. Did you? Oh, surely not?

Draughtycatflapreturns · 13/08/2022 05:12

This happened to me on the Titty Wiggle Squiggle at Dollywood. First they took my guitar and then pushed the harness hard across my boobage. Then during the ride my Dolly wig flew off as we did the howdy hoop da boop.

NumberTheory · 13/08/2022 05:12

ArmWrestlingWithChasNDave · 13/08/2022 04:10

It sounds like the employee had the measure of you with your performative "bum shuffle" and attention seeking. Do complain though, it'll give customer services a laugh.

Bun shuffling out of people’s way when you feel to dizzy to stand is “performative” now?

I guess if the people working in customer services are as awful as you it might give them a laugh. Maybe that’s the type of customer service and management staff they had at Florida’s ICON park. Have you considered applying?

Blizzardbeach · 13/08/2022 05:22

I know you've said that this isn't the case, and I'm not disbelieving you, just sharing my experience!
When I was bigger I had this happen to me. At the time I just thought its that they get used to pushing the ride restraints to a certain level and that's how it happened...

I don't doubt what you've said about being dizzy. It's because you were only able to take shallow breaths, you weren't filling your lungs to the same degree as usual.
I too find it concerning that you got off the ride dizzy, and they advised you to get up, and go to first aid.

Your complaint will hopefully give them opportunity to review their practices surrounding your situation.

I hope your chest feels better soon!

Aprilx · 13/08/2022 05:29

This reply has been deleted

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Ownedbyabeagle · 13/08/2022 05:30

Sunnyqueen · 12/08/2022 23:21

How would a bashed boob affect your ability to walk or make you dizzy and light headed. That makes absolutely no sense. It sounds like you just got yourself worked up and in a tizz from having your boob bashed.

Try reading the OP opening comment. The bar restricted her breathing hence making her dizzy.

NumberTheory · 13/08/2022 05:57

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Jesus. That is just ignorant.

Being dizzy in that sort of situation is an indication of a lack of oxygen. Standing when you don’t have enough oxygen can lead to feinting. Which is unpredictable and dangerous. It would have been a really poor decision to stand when the ride operator told OP to. An act that stood a reasonable chance of making urgent and significant medical attention necessary. There is nothing “drama queen” (unnecessarily misogynistic phrasing) about not wanting to stand when you feel dizzy.

Ireallycantthinkofagoodone · 13/08/2022 06:07

How odd that you managed to laugh and talk about ‘shrinking a cup size’ with your DS, but couldn’t breathe…….. I think you will find that breathing is necessary before you are able to talk.
Drama llama

Aprilx · 13/08/2022 06:10

NumberTheory · 13/08/2022 05:57

Jesus. That is just ignorant.

Being dizzy in that sort of situation is an indication of a lack of oxygen. Standing when you don’t have enough oxygen can lead to feinting. Which is unpredictable and dangerous. It would have been a really poor decision to stand when the ride operator told OP to. An act that stood a reasonable chance of making urgent and significant medical attention necessary. There is nothing “drama queen” (unnecessarily misogynistic phrasing) about not wanting to stand when you feel dizzy.

Show quote history

What is ignorant? OP did not require medical attention, she went for a coffee five minutes later. We have all felt a bit dizzy from time to time, most of us can handle it by ourselves and don’t expect theme park rides to close down because of it. Only the drama queens do that.

yesimbragging · 13/08/2022 06:22

It doesn't sound like a panic attack to me.

The overhead restraint was too tight, meaning you couldn't inhale fully. Rides like that travelling at speed sort of "take your breath away" so you need to be able to breathe properly. When you couldn't, your body physically reacted causing the dizziness.

Not quite the same, but as a teen I went to a waterpark on holiday. DM and I went on this really high, almost vertical drop waterslide. The pressure/g forces whatever really pushed on your chest for the first few seconds but I managed to adjust my breathing (exhale slowly) til it passed. It caught DM totally off guard and she couldn't catch her breath, and was gulping for air by the time she reached the bottom and had to sit down as she felt so dizzy.

The bruise is proof the attendant was far too forceful. Id be wary of complaining though as it may feed back to training and some attendants may not push the restraint hard enough in future based on that. The teenage boy in florida (?) who died on a ride last year as he wasn't fully secured is still fresh in my mind.

I'm sorry people here have been so dismissive Flowers

RubertRoo · 13/08/2022 06:31

Was this Vampire at Chessington by any chance?! They did the same to me last week. I have been to a lot of theme parks a lot of times and never experienced a harness fitting quite like it. Slamming the harness down at speed. It was not nice at all. Luckily my 4 year old was sat on the other side with a nicer slower ride operator but I got really slammed in. I cant even quite describe the experience but it was completely unnecessary

RubertRoo · 13/08/2022 06:33

constantpanic · 12/08/2022 23:04

Sorry I haven't read the full thread but was this Chessington on the Vampire ride?
They did this to my six year old last year, slammed it down hard because they were racing to see which could get the barriers down first. Left him winded.

Yes. I have just replied to ask if it was Vampire..It was really quite bizarre the speed and force he was using to close the harnesses. I've never experienced anything like it.

Giraffesandbottoms · 13/08/2022 06:34

If the picture is PG can you post a photo of the bruising here?

Nursemumma92 · 13/08/2022 06:38

Aprilx · 13/08/2022 06:10

What is ignorant? OP did not require medical attention, she went for a coffee five minutes later. We have all felt a bit dizzy from time to time, most of us can handle it by ourselves and don’t expect theme park rides to close down because of it. Only the drama queens do that.

Show quote history

@Aprilx she might have gone for a coffee after this happened bur regardless of what the outcome was, it was not acceptable to not even get an offer of any assistance. She never said she wanted the ride closed down.
People on here are all harping on about these ride operators being 16-18 on minimum wage, and that they should be cut some slack... I'm impressed that these teenagers have such great medical expertise that they don't even call for assistance when someone is unable to stand. That is worrying regardless of whether you think OP is being a 'drama llama'.

Hope nothing happens to you when you're out and about enjoying yourself and you suddenly find yourself needing a bit of help?! Jesus people have no compassion anymore.

MRex · 13/08/2022 06:40

SoSoSusan · 12/08/2022 21:29

The OP was being dramatic

It's a good job the staff were medically qualified so as able to conclusively come to this conclusion...because the next time they decide, by themselves, that a person claiming to have breathing difficulties isn't worthy of immediate help, it my be someone having a heart attack.

Op Yanbu. It doesn't matter if you were seriously injured or 'only' having a panic attack, the staff behaved appallingly. They should have something in place to call medical aid TO someone who's having difficulty breathing.

I would absolutely raise this officially, mentioning not only the careless way you were boarded leaving you in severe discomfort but also the lack of appropriate response after the ride. It's either a policy fail or a fail by the indidual but either was it needs addressing.

This. It isn't up to staff to determine medical status, if someone says they are ill then first aid should be called unless the individual themselves say they are comfortable walking.

constantpanic · 13/08/2022 06:51

@RubertRoo sorry it happened to you as well. It was awful because it’s one of his favourite rides, the barrier was slammed down and the look of sheer panic on his face and I shouted to the staff and waved my arms at them then - whoosh off we went. I complained when the ride finished (with ds still distressed) then went to customer services where they have him a coupon for the sweet shop, and was presented with a tiny lolly pop which cost about 30p in Tesco.

autienotnaughty · 13/08/2022 06:54

Definitely complain as management need to be aware of these things so they can better train staff.

Suzi888 · 13/08/2022 06:57

perimenofertility · 12/08/2022 21:17

I think people here are being as unhelpful as the ride staff. Panic attack or physical injury, if you came off the ride unable to breathe and were on the floor they should have called for assistance. I would definitely complain about the lack of care shown afterwards. Surely all staff should have basic first aid training.

^ This

What is wrong with MN lately. Lots of new user names.

JunkIsland · 13/08/2022 07:01

Not being able to breathe properly because your chest is compressed is an awful feeling. Happened to me on packed public transport when another passenger reached across my chest to hold on to a bar. I wasn’t injured and the whole thing can only have lasted a couple of minutes at most, but only being able to take very shallow breaths was terrifying. I don’t go in for public confrontations, but I was yelling in this woman’s face to get her to drop her arm. Brought on a full-on fight or flight response. So that part alone is bad enough for me.

The operator being oblivious to what they’d done, op not being able to get their attention and the attitude after are all really concerning and I wouldn’t hesitate to complain. This isn’t a shining example of health and safety practice. Quite the opposite!

Ignoranceisbliss44 · 13/08/2022 07:13

I think if I went on a ride like that it would finish me off completely. I struggle to stand up at the best of times.

bringonthesunshinefinally · 13/08/2022 07:14

YANBU. This is not a travelling funfair where I’ve seen some truly dodgy and irresponsible things go on. This is a huge business that presumably makes millions each year so trains their staff accordingly , so that customers are protected. Definitely complain . I often see groups of unaccompanied teens in theme parks and you would hope staff are trained and/or empathetic enough to offer assistance when it is asked for .

Original poster
itsgettingweird · 13/08/2022 07:29

jobbr · 12/08/2022 22:43

I was a theme park host at 16-18. You should have paid attention. You are trained to push it as hard as it goes til it clicks for safety. Either you were distracted and that’s your fault or you’re bigger and felt the pressure more.

they did nothing wrong. Your complaint won’t be taken seriously behind closed doors. We got this all the time and it was so annoying. Pay attention.

I was paying attention.

I pulled the barrier down as I have every other time I've used that ride.

The ride attendant checked the seat belt as she should and went to move away. So how could I then know she's about to suddenly push it down as hard as she did and as tight as she did. She didn't indicate to me, or even acknowledge me.

I've had barriers tightened 100's of times in all my years of using theme parks.

Never like this, never as forceful and never so tight my breasts are squashed to the point one is left really bruised and the barrier is restricting my rib age and breathing.

If that was the norm it wouldn't have taken me by surprise would it?

OP posts:
Original poster
itsgettingweird · 13/08/2022 07:34

Oblomov22 · 12/08/2022 22:48

I disagree with most. I don't think you are being overdramatic at all. I think the suggestion of a panic attack is incredibly insulting. This wasn't a panic attack. It was firstly the shock of it being pushed too hard. Secondly and worse, the effects of it crushing and therefore struggling to breathe.

E*XACTLY THIS
*
Panic attack would have had be breathing rapidly - not menial speed but without able to get a full breath in.

A panic attack causes you to go dizzy whilst unable to breath properly.

I got off the ride glad it was over and went dizzy suddenly as I was walking to get the bag (about 3m).

It felt like it does when you get up too quickly and are going to faint so I did the sensible thing and sat down (in case I fell down 🤣)

I know I was ok and just needed a minute or so.

My concern is that a) the ride operator wanted me to move on the that was his priority and b) if they did that with someone who wasn't ok and didn't have medical knowledge to judge what to do they could have an injury.

Therefore they need to train staff properly - it's in the parks benefit more than mine!

OP posts:
Original poster
itsgettingweird · 13/08/2022 07:36

Unforgettable read what I've said numerous times. I want the park to make sure this doesn't happen to someone else who could end up actually needing help.

I want nothing else. I won't be returning again for the foreseeable (if at all) which is a shame because we've always gone 4-5 times and year and even managed a few visits between lockdowns!

OP posts:
Original poster
itsgettingweird · 13/08/2022 07:40

PicketRingFenced · 12/08/2022 23:02

Are you overweight?
Is that why the harness pushed into your breast ?
Could that be why they weren't overly sympathetic perhaps?

I'm a size 14 and 5"8

So no slim Jim! And I do sit higher up in the seat than most.

But I'm certainly not hugely overweight with huge breasts.

So the bit of the barrier restricting my chest wouldn't even touch a child iyswim?

OP posts: