Theme parks are meant to be filled with excitement, joy, and unforgettable memories, especially for families. But for Christine and Ernesto Tagle Jr., a day at Disney World’s Epcot turned into an unimaginable nightmare when their young son, Ernesto III, suffered a cardiac arrest just seconds after boarding a thrilling rollercoaster. What should have been a day of fun quickly spiraled into a heart-wrenching ordeal.
A Day at Disney Turns Into a Nightmare
The Tagle family was visiting Epcot at Disney World on September 21, excited for a day full of adventures. They decided to hop on the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind rollercoaster, a popular attraction known for its exhilarating twists and turns. But just 20 seconds into the ride, the unthinkable happened: their son, Ernesto III, went into cardiac arrest.
“He wasn’t breathing and started going into seizures,” Christine recalled, detailing the frantic moments that followed. Panic immediately set in as she desperately tried to get the attention of ride operators. As a mother, watching your child become lifeless in front of you is every parent’s worst fear. But for Christine, there was no time to freeze—she screamed, shouted, and hit her son, hoping to wake him up, all while fearing she was losing him.
The Moment the Rollercoaster Stopped
When the ride finally came to a halt, Christine’s horror didn’t end. The once-thrilling attraction now became a race against time to save her son’s life. She pulled Ernesto out of the rollercoaster car, screaming for help as onlookers watched in shock. Disney staff quickly stepped in, directing her to a hallway where she could lay Ernesto down.
“I started CPR immediately,” she wrote in a Facebook post. Within moments, staff arrived with an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), a critical tool for restarting the heart in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Christine’s husband ran for additional help and found a couple—a nurse and an EMT—who took over CPR and kept Ernesto stable until EMT services arrived.
The Lifesaving Role of CPR and AEDs
Christine’s quick thinking and immediate action saved her son’s life. CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is one of the most effective ways to maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs during cardiac arrest. In cases like Ernesto’s, every second matters.
The AED, a portable medical device that delivers an electric shock to the heart, can be a critical tool in situations like this, especially when a person’s heart stops beating normally. The quick response of the Disney staff and nearby medical professionals played a significant role in keeping Ernesto alive.
As Ernesto’s mother later urged on social media: “Get CPR certified or get a refresher course. You never know when you’ll need it.” Her advice resonates strongly after her firsthand experience of how lifesaving these skills can be.
A Shocking Diagnosis: CPVT
After Ernesto was rushed to the emergency room, doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize him and determine the cause of his sudden collapse. Multiple tests were performed, and the family was left in agonizing uncertainty, wondering whether their son would suffer from brain damage or other lasting effects.
Finally, the doctors provided answers: Ernesto had a genetic heart condition known as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). This rare, inherited cardiac condition is known for causing sudden arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) in otherwise healthy individuals. It is often triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress—exactly the type of conditions Ernesto was experiencing on the rollercoaster.
CPVT can cause symptoms like fainting, palpitations, or, in severe cases, cardiac arrest. While the condition is rare, it is not unheard of in children, and it can be life-threatening if not managed correctly. In Ernesto’s case, the doctors decided that surgery was necessary to prevent future episodes.
Life-Saving Surgery and Ernesto’s Recovery
Ernesto was transferred to St. Joseph’s in Tampa, where he underwent surgery to have an EV-ICD (External/Internal Cardioverter Defibrillator) implanted. This device will act as a safeguard for the young boy, detecting abnormal heart rhythms and delivering shocks to correct them if necessary.
Miraculously, Ernesto made it through surgery without any signs of brain or heart damage. His parents were filled with relief and gratitude. “We feel so lucky that the incident didn’t rob us of his smile and energy,” Christine shared. The family also shared heartwarming photos of Ernesto smiling in his hospital bed, a testament to his strength and resilience after such a terrifying experience.
Even more incredibly, just days after the ordeal, Ernesto was already asking to ride his motorcycle again—a clear sign that this little warrior was on the road to recovery.
The Importance of Awareness: Understanding CPVT and Cardiac Arrest in Children
Ernesto’s story serves as a stark reminder that cardiac conditions like CPVT can strike without warning. While these episodes are often triggered by physical activity or stress, they can occur even in children who appear perfectly healthy.
CPVT is especially dangerous because it can remain undiagnosed until a life-threatening event, like cardiac arrest, occurs. Genetic testing and awareness of family history can help identify children who may be at risk. For families with a history of heart issues, it’s crucial to speak with healthcare providers about possible screening for conditions like CPVT.
Disney’s Response and the Role of Trained Staff
While Disney has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the incident, the quick actions of the park’s trained staff were undoubtedly instrumental in saving Ernesto’s life. Theme parks like Disney take extensive measures to ensure the safety of their guests, including having AEDs readily available and training staff in emergency response procedures.
Christine expressed her gratitude to the Disney staff, writing on social media: “The trained staff did an amazing job.” This highlights the importance of having trained professionals on hand in busy public spaces, where medical emergencies can happen at any time.
Conclusion: A Story of Survival and the Power of Preparedness
Ernesto Tagle’s story is one of survival, resilience, and the power of being prepared. Thanks to the quick actions of his parents, trained Disney staff, and kind strangers, this young boy survived a cardiac arrest that could have ended in tragedy.
The incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of CPR training and the value of having AEDs in public places. As Ernesto’s family said in their message to others, “Get CPR certified or get a refresher course. You never know when you’ll need it.” You never know when the skills you learn today could save a life tomorrow.
While the Tagle family’s trip to Disney may not have gone as planned, their story has become a powerful lesson in the importance of being prepared, acting quickly, and the incredible strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable fear.
