A family vacation to Disney World took a terrifying turn for one mother when her son suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while riding a rollercoaster. Christine Tagle and her husband, Ernesto Tagle Jr., along with their son, Ernesto III, were enjoying a day at Epcot on September 21, when the unthinkable happened. Just 20 seconds into the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride, their son went limp, leaving the family in panic and fear.
General view of “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Credit: Gerardo Mora / Getty
The Shocking Incident on the Rollercoaster
The Tagle family was like any other group of visitors to Disney World that day, filled with excitement as they boarded the much-anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride. However, within moments, their joy turned into terror when their son, Ernesto III, lost consciousness.
“He wasn’t breathing and started going into seizures,” Christine Tagle recalled, describing her horror as she watched her son become unresponsive. She tried to wake him up by hitting him and screaming for help, but nothing worked. As the ride continued, she knew something was terribly wrong.
A Desperate Plea for Help
As the rollercoaster came to a stop, Christine pulled her son out of the seat, screaming for help. Disney staff quickly directed her to a nearby hallway, where she laid her son down and began administering CPR. “I just knew I had to do something,” she shared in a Facebook post. Her efforts were aided by an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a life-saving medical device designed to help people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
CPR and Quick Actions Save His Life
Christine’s husband, Ernesto, ran off in search of help, eventually finding a couple—one a nurse, the other an EMT—who jumped in to assist. Together, they continued performing CPR while waiting for emergency services to arrive. The family credits the quick response of Disney staff and the good Samaritans who helped stabilize Ernesto, even as he experienced seizures.
“Without the trained staff and quick assistance, we don’t know what would have happened,” Christine said. After the EMTs arrived, Ernesto was rushed to the nearest ER, where doctors were able to stabilize him before transferring him to AdventHealth in Orlando, Florida, for further testing.
A Rare Diagnosis: CPVT
After a series of tests, doctors finally discovered that Ernesto III suffers from a rare genetic heart condition known as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). According to Children’s Hospital, CPVT is an inherited cardiac disorder that causes sudden rhythm disturbances, known as arrhythmias, in otherwise healthy children. These disturbances are often triggered by physical exercise or emotional stress and can lead to fainting, heart palpitations, or, as in Ernesto’s case, cardiac arrest.
The family went through an emotional rollercoaster as they waited for test results, fearing the worst—brain damage, heart damage, or long-term complications. Fortunately, doctors determined that there were no lasting effects from the cardiac event. Ernesto III would need surgery to have an EV-ICD (an external/internal cardiac defibrillator) implanted, a device that can help prevent future incidents by regulating abnormal heart rhythms.
The Road to Recovery
Ernesto was transferred to St. Joseph’s in Tampa, where the surgery was successfully performed. To the relief of his family, Ernesto bounced back from the surgery with no signs of brain or heart damage. His recovery has been remarkable, and his joyful spirit has returned. In a heartwarming update shared by his parents, Ernesto can be seen smiling in his hospital bed, already asking to ride his motorcycle again—a testament to his resilience.
A Call to Action: Learn CPR
In their emotional social media post, the Tagle family expressed their gratitude for the quick response from everyone involved in saving their son’s life. They also issued a heartfelt plea to others: “Get CPR certified or get a refresher course. You never know when you’ll need it.”
The importance of CPR cannot be overstated. Had Christine not known how to perform CPR, and had the staff not had an AED on hand, the outcome could have been tragically different. The family’s message is clear: learning CPR is a skill everyone should have, as it could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
Disney’s Response and Safety Concerns
While Disney has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident, the swift actions of their staff undoubtedly played a critical role in Ernesto’s survival. The well-trained personnel at Disney parks are accustomed to handling emergencies, and this situation highlights the importance of having medical equipment like AEDs available at large venues.
The incident has also raised awareness about the potential dangers of heart conditions, particularly in young children, and how they can be exacerbated by the physical stress of thrill rides. Families with known heart conditions should always consult with doctors before participating in activities that could strain the heart.
Moving Forward with Gratitude
Christine and Ernesto Tagle Jr. feel incredibly fortunate that their son’s life was saved that day. “We feel so lucky that this incident didn’t rob us of his smile and energy,” Christine told Fox 35 Orlando. The family remains eternally grateful to the individuals who helped during their time of need, and they are focused on ensuring that Ernesto has a safe and healthy future.
Conclusion: The Importance of Quick Actions and CPR
The harrowing experience of the Tagle family serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Ernesto’s survival was the result of quick thinking, life-saving CPR, and the presence of essential medical equipment. Their story encourages everyone to take the time to learn CPR and be prepared, because, as the Tagles now know all too well, you never know when you’ll need it.
Ernesto’s brave recovery has inspired his loved ones and everyone who has heard his story, reminding us of the importance of community, preparedness, and never losing hope in the face of adversity.
