Going to Disney World is supposed to be magical, but for Christine Tagle, it turned into a nightmare.
On September 21st, during the Guardians of the Galaxy ride, Christine’s five-year-old son, Ernesto, suddenly passed out, leaving her terrified as his heart stopped. Thankfully, her quick actions and those of the Disney staff saved his life.
Just 20 seconds into the ride, Christine realized something was horribly wrong.
Embed from Getty Images“I noticed my son had passed out,” she said. Despite her efforts, Ernesto remained unresponsive for the rest of the ride. Those minutes felt like an eternity as she sat helplessly next to his limp body.
As soon as the roller coaster came to a stop, Christine leaped into action.
She pulled her son from his seat and screamed for help. Disney staff swiftly guided her to a hallway, where she laid Ernesto down and began CPR. A few seconds later, staff shocked him with an AED, a life-saving device.
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Christine’s husband, desperate for help, ran off and found a couple.
The couple comprised of a nurse and an EMT. They jumped into action, performing CPR. They kept Ernesto stable while he began having seizures. Soon after, EMT services arrived and took over, continuing his treatment on-site.
Once stable, Ernesto was rushed to the hospital.
That’s when doctors discovered he had a genetic heart condition known as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. “My son is alive today because of Disney’s trained staff and this incredible couple,” Christine said, overwhelmed with gratitude.
Christine shared her story on social media, praising Disney’s quick response and the couple who helped.
Her heartfelt message also included a plea to find and thank the couple. “Disney has always had my heart, but now they own it,” she posted in a Disney fan group.
Within days, Christine’s post went viral, and the Disney community rallied to help.
With their assistance, she tracked down the nurse and EMT. The family plans to meet them, along with the Disney staff and EMTs who played a critical role that day.
Ernesto’s dad, too, shared his relief on Instagram, posting pictures of their son recovering in a hospital bed.
“I’m happy to say Ernesto is doing well, with no signs of brain or heart damage,” he wrote, celebrating his son’s resilience. Ernesto, ever the adventurer, was already asking to ride his motorcycle.
Ernesto’s parents have one final message:
“Get CPR certified or get a refresher course. You never know when you’ll need it,” they said. Those skills helped Christine save her son’s life during an unimaginable moment of terror.
In the end, the Tagle family is forever grateful.
Thanks to trained staff, quick-thinking bystanders, and life-saving equipment, Ernesto is alive and thriving.
Christine urges everyone to get CPR certified, as it saved her son’s life. The family plans to return to Disney World for fun and to thank the heroes who helped save their little boy.
