The family of a 5-year-old boy had no idea their son had a heart condition until he suffered a medical emergency at Walt Disney World. Christine Tagle and Ernesto Tagle Jr. were with their children at Disney World’s EPCOT when their son, Ernesto III, became unresponsive after riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. With the help of some kind park guests and Disney staff, they revived Ernesto III.
His parents shared the terrifying story with Fox 35 and posted it on Instagram. Christine Tagle told the news station that her son “wasn’t breathing and started going into seizures.” It wasn’t until they got to an area hospital, they discovered Ernesto III’s rare heart condition.
More from CafeMom: 7-Year-Old Boy ‘Went Face First Through a Wall’ When a Car Crashed Into His Home
Everything seemed fine until the ride ended.
Ernesto Tagle Jr. wrote on Instagram that his wife noticed their son did not have a pulse and was not breathing and she began chest compressions. The family told Fox 35 that a couple who happened to be a nurse and EMTs stopped to help and were able to get Ernesto III’s heart beating again.
“This past week has been a rollercoaster for our family. Rollercoaster being the key word,” the father began his Instagram post.
He shared that Ernesto III was unresponsive, but staff and park guests jumped in to help. “We are forever grateful. Ernesto was shocked with an AED and transported to the ER where the medical staff was able to stabilize him,” the father added in his post.
Crews air-lifted Ernesto III to another hospital.
The father explained on Instagram that the hospital ran several tests and finally determined that Ernesto III has CPVT.
As Boston Children’s Hospital explains, “Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited cardiac condition that causes sudden rhythm disturbances, called arrhythmias, in otherwise healthy children. These abnormal rhythms most often occur at times of high adrenaline levels, such as during exercise or strong emotion.”
The condition is extremely rare, affecting only one in 10,000 people. If left untreated, the heart can stop beating.
A second helicopter ride brought Ernesto III to Tampa.
Doctors at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa operated on the boy successfully.
“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,” Ernesto Jr. wrote on Instagram.
More from CafeMom: Mom Has Heart Attack on Treadmill & 4-Year-Old Son Thinks She’s ‘Sleeping’
The family thanked everyone involved for their help.
Ernesto Jr. noted on Instagram that “not all hero’s wear capes” and extended his gratitude to Disney staff, park guests, and all the others who helped in Ernesto III’s time of need. He said he is most thankful to his wife who jumped in, never hesitating to keep their son alive.
The father added a cautionary reminder: “Get CPR certified or get a refresher course. You never know when you’ll need it.”
