A family trip to Walt Disney World turned into an absolute nightmare for one family when their five-year-old boy went into cardiac arrest while riding one of the theme park’s rollercoasters.
Less than 30 seconds into riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, Ernesto Tagle III “passed out,” and despite his mother’s best attempts to wake him, he remained unconscious for the duration of the ride.
The family shared details about the frightening medical emergency on Instagram over the weekend.
Shortly after boarding the rollercoaster, Christine Tagle realized her son “wasn’t breathing and started going into seizures.”
“I was screaming, hitting him, and saying something’s wrong,” she told Fox 35 Orlando.
Christine, who was seated behind her son, was forced to complete the ride with her son’s limp body. As soon as the ride stopped, she immediately began performing CPR while a Disney cast member brought an AED and a passing couple, a nurse and an EMT, offered their assistance.
Ernesto underwent “test after test” at three difference hospitals before he was diagnosed with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a rare heart condition.
The five-year-old has since undergone surgery to receive a defibrillator and is recovering without cardiac or neurological damage.
“We just feel so lucky this didn’t rob us of his smile and energy,” his mother said.
“Not all hero’s wear capes is so true in this story. Thank you for the prayers, positive vibes, thoughts, and encouraging words,” Ernesto’s family wrote on Instagram before thanking everyone involved in the boy’s recovery.
“Get CPR certified or get a refresher course. You never know when you’ll need it.”
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