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A FAMILY’S Disney vacation nearly ended in tragedy after their five-year-old son suffered a medical emergency on a ride.
They described their recent trip to the Florida theme park as a “rollercoaster.”
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Christine Tagle and Ernesto Tagle Jr.’s son, also named Ernesto, collapsed while riding a rollercoaster in the parks, later revealed as the famed Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride.
The boy “wasn’t breathing and started going into seizures,” the parents wrote in an Instagram caption.
“I was screaming, hitting him, and saying something’s wrong,” Christine told local Fox affiliate WOFL.
When Christine realized what was happening, she responded immediately.
She got Ernesto off the ride as soon as she was able and began giving the boy CPR and chest compressions – a move that doctors later said ultimately saved the boy’s life.
“We were able to find another couple to help us get our son breathing again,” the family’s Instagram caption continued.
“Thank you Melissa Lynn Peters and Terry. We are forever grateful.”
Ernesto needed to be shocked with an AED – provided by Disney World cast members – and was taken to a nearby hospital.
The boy was later taken by helicopter to another hospital where the family learned of his catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia diagnosis – a rare condition with an abnormal heart rhythm.
“Never had he had any issue or instance of any heart, anything that would have put us on alert,” the parents told local NBC affiliate WESH.
His father confirmed the boy had successful surgery to treat the condition, implanting a device that would automatically shock the boy’s heart if needed.
“I’m happy to say that Ernesto is doing well after surgery with no signs of brain or heart damage,” the caption continued.
“Even better, this warrior is already home and already asking to ride his motorcycle.”
Still, the scary ordeal only had a happy ending because of that crucial AED device and Christine’s quick thinking.
What is an AED?
AED stands for automated external defibrillator.
It’s an easy-to-use medical device located in many offices and public buildings in case of an emergency.
AEDs analyze the heart rhythm and can deliver an electric shock if necessary.
The shock helps restore the heart’s normal rhythm.
AEDs are used when a person is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The device is currently the only way to restore a heart’s normal rhythm during cardiac arrest.
The American Red Cross is among the organizations offering AED certification courses.
Source: American Red Cross
“Every doctor that had come into our room while we were at the hospital with him, they all credited Christine for saving his life basically,” Ernesto told WESH.
“When it comes to matters of the heart and the brain, with CPR, every second and every minute truly counts,” Christine added.
Both told WESH they were grateful the incident happened at Disney where an AED was nearby.
The family urged others to get their CPR certifications in case they find themselves in a similar situation.
“Get CPR certified or get a refresher course,” Ernesto’s caption concluded.
“You never know when you’ll need it.”
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