A mother’s worst nightmare unfolded during a family day out at Disney World when her son went into cardiac arrest just 20 seconds into the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride. What should have been a day of joy and fun turned into a terrifying ordeal as the boy’s life hung in the balance.
Christine Tagle and her husband, Ernesto Tagle Jr., had no idea that their son, Ernesto III, was living with a rare genetic heart condition. On September 21, 2023, this condition would manifest in the most shocking and terrifying way possible—on a rollercoaster at one of the world’s most famous theme parks.
The Ride That Turned Into a Nightmare
The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride, located in Disney World’s Epcot, is known for its thrilling experience. But for the Tagle family, the excitement took a devastating turn just moments after the ride began.
Christine Tagle described the horrifying moment to Fox 35 Orlando: “He wasn’t breathing and started going into seizures.” Her son had suddenly become lifeless, and panic set in as she realized something was terribly wrong. “I was screaming, hitting him, and saying something’s wrong,” Christine recounted, as her maternal instincts kicked in, desperate to save her child.
A Mother’s Desperate Plea for Help
The ordeal didn’t end when the ride did. As soon as the rollercoaster came to a stop, Christine pulled her son from the ride and immediately began screaming for help. Disney staff quickly directed her to a nearby hallway, where she laid her son down and began performing CPR, trying to revive him.
It was at this moment that the life-saving power of modern medicine came into play. Disney staff used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a device that can shock the heart and restore a normal rhythm during cardiac arrest. Christine’s husband, Ernesto, ran off to find additional help and returned with a nurse and EMT, who continued performing CPR on the young boy.
The Power of Swift Action and Trained Staff
Thanks to the quick response from Disney staff and the help of bystanders, Ernesto III was stabilized and transported to a nearby hospital. He was initially taken to AdventHealth in Orlando before being transferred via helicopter to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa for surgery.
During their time at the hospital, the family faced a wave of uncertainty. They feared brain or heart damage, unsure if their son would ever be the same. “The unknown was the worst part,” Christine admitted. But after numerous tests, doctors diagnosed Ernesto with a rare genetic heart condition known as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT).
Understanding CPVT: A Rare and Life-Threatening Condition
CPVT is a rare, inherited cardiac disorder that causes sudden and severe rhythm disturbances in the heart, particularly during moments of physical exertion or emotional stress. This condition is especially dangerous because it often goes unnoticed until a serious incident like cardiac arrest occurs.
For Ernesto, the ride’s physical excitement likely triggered his heart’s abnormal rhythm. However, despite the terrifying experience, Ernesto’s story is a miracle in the making. Thanks to quick medical intervention and the use of an AED, the boy survived with no signs of brain or heart damage. Doctors performed surgery to implant an EV-ICD, a life-saving device that will help monitor and regulate his heart’s rhythm in the future.
A Message of Hope and a Call for Preparedness
After surgery, Ernesto’s recovery brought relief and joy to his family. In a social media post, his parents shared a picture of him smiling in his hospital bed. “I’m happy to say that Ernesto is doing well after surgery with no signs of brain or heart damage. Even better, this warrior is already home and already asking to ride his motorcycle,” they wrote.
The Tagle family’s message to the world, though, extends beyond their personal gratitude. They emphasized the importance of CPR training, encouraging others to get certified or take refresher courses. “You never know when you’ll need it,” they urged, a sentiment that resonates deeply with those who understand the preciousness of life.
The Importance of CPR and AEDs in Public Places
Ernesto’s survival underscores the critical role that AEDs and trained personnel play in saving lives during emergencies. Cardiac arrest can strike without warning, and knowing how to perform CPR or having access to an AED can make all the difference. Every minute counts in such situations, and swift action dramatically increases survival rates.
In this case, the AED used by Disney staff helped bring Ernesto back from the brink. Disney World, like many public spaces, is equipped with life-saving tools such as AEDs, and its staff is trained to respond quickly in emergencies. Their preparedness, along with the heroic efforts of the nurse and EMT who were nearby, saved a life that day.
The Road to Recovery and the Future
While Ernesto’s condition will require lifelong management, his recovery is nothing short of miraculous. After surgery, the young boy has been able to return home, and his parents are optimistic about his future. The fact that Ernesto has already expressed excitement about riding his motorcycle again speaks volumes about his resilience and spirit.
As they continue to process the events of that fateful day, the Tagle family is filled with gratitude. “We feel so lucky that the incident didn’t rob us of his smile and energy,” Christine told Fox 35 Orlando.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Preparedness and Gratitude
The Tagle family’s terrifying experience at Disney World is a powerful reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Quick access to an AED and the ability to perform CPR saved Ernesto’s life, and this story highlights why such training and tools should be widespread in public spaces.
While the incident is still fresh, the Tagle family can look forward to brighter days with their son, knowing that they were fortunate to have the right help at the right time. Ernesto’s story is a testament to the power of swift action, modern medicine, and the importance of hope, even in the face of a parent’s worst nightmare.
As for Disney, they have not yet released a statement about the incident, but it’s clear that the prompt actions of their staff, alongside the assistance of nearby guests, made all the difference that day. The lesson for everyone: life can change in an instant, but being prepared can turn tragedy into a miracle.
