A mother has shared the terrifying moment her son fainted while on a rollercoaster at Disney World Florida.
Visiting Disney is typically a dream come true, but for Florida resident Christine Tagle, it turned into a nightmare.
On 21 September, Christine and her family decided to ride the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.
However, just 20 seconds into the experience, her five-year-old son Ernesto lost consciousness. Christine had to endure the rest of the ride beside her son’s unresponsive body as his heart had stopped.
Christine recounted the alarming incident on the Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks Facebook group, explaining how it ultimately had a positive outcome.
Christine described the scene: “When the ride was over, I pulled him out screaming for help, the staff directed me to a hallway where I laid my son down and I began CPR – a few seconds later the staff shocked him with the AED.
“My husband ran out to find help and found a couple – a nurse and an EMT – who continued CPR, kept him stable as he began to have seizures until EMT services came.”
She expressed her gratitude for the ‘trained staff’ at Disney, acknowledging that their quick response saved her son’s life.
Christine also thanked the couple who provided vital assistance and urged everyone to get CPR training.
She sought help from the Disney community on Facebook to locate the couple, and with their assistance, she succeeded.
“Because of this group we have been able to locate and talk to the amazing Nurse and EMT who helped us, as well as cast members who were there, firefighters who helped on site and in the ER, Ambulance drivers and EMT, and Drs who were at our first ER,” Christine explained.
Further medical tests revealed that Ernesto has a genetic heart condition called catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Ernesto’s father shared images on Instagram showing his son smiling in a hospital bed following the frightening event.
The father wrote: “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.
He concluded with a crucial reminder: “Get CPR certified or get a refresher course. You never know when you’ll need it.”