What began as a joyful family adventure at Disney World took an unimaginable turn just moments after boarding one of the park’s most thrilling rides.
For Christine Tagle and her young son Ernesto, the Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster ride quickly transformed from fun and excitement into a harrowing emergency that tested every parent’s worst nightmare.
On September 21, Christine, her husband, and their son eagerly joined the line, anticipating the adrenaline rush that the ride promised. But only seconds after the ride started, five-year-old Ernesto suddenly lost consciousness — his heart had stopped beating.
Christine was left sitting beside her son’s limp body, trapped on the ride, unsure of what was happening but knowing something was terribly wrong.
Once the ride came to a stop, Christine sprang into action, shouting for help. The quick-thinking Disney cast members immediately directed her to a nearby hallway where she laid Ernesto down and began performing CPR. Within moments, staff used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to try to revive him.
Meanwhile, her husband raced through the crowds to find assistance and soon returned with a nurse and an EMT couple. Together, they continued lifesaving efforts, administering CPR and managing Ernesto’s seizures until paramedics arrived. Their prompt response was crucial in stabilizing him.
Christine took to the Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks Facebook group to share their terrifying experience and to express profound gratitude for the heroic efforts of everyone who helped — from Disney employees to strangers who stepped up when seconds mattered most.
She stressed a vital takeaway: the lifesaving power of CPR training. “Being certified in CPR isn’t just a skill — it’s a necessity,” she urged.
With the help of the supportive Facebook community, Christine was able to reconnect with the nurse, EMT couple, firefighters, and medical professionals who had been there during those critical moments.
After thorough evaluation, doctors diagnosed Ernesto with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a rare genetic heart condition that caused his sudden cardiac arrest.
In a heartwarming update shared by Ernesto’s father on Instagram, the brave little boy was seen smiling from his hospital bed after successful surgery. “Ernesto is recovering well — no brain or heart damage,” his father wrote. “Our little warrior is already asking to ride his motorcycle again.”
His message carried a powerful reminder: “Get CPR certified or renew your skills. You never know when it could save a life.”
Ernesto’s ordeal is a sobering reminder that even the happiest places can hold hidden dangers — but it’s also a testament to the power of swift action, community support, and life-saving knowledge. His story inspires us all to prepare for the unexpected and cherish every precious moment with those we love.