5-year-old boy stops breathing during ride at Disney World: report

ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) — A trip to Disney World that was meant to create lifelong family memories, turned into a nightmare for the parents of 5-year-old Ernesto Tagle when he stopped breathing in the middle of a ride, according to NBC affiliate WESH .

Around 20 seconds into riding the Guardians of the Galaxy ride, Ernesto stopped breathing and began having seizures.

“Time just stopped at the moment and it didn’t seem like we were moving fast enough,” his parents told WESH.

After getting off the attraction, his mom began CPR. Thankfully, a nurse and firefighter were nearby and stepped in to help. Cast members also provided an AED.

“We’re very fortunate to have him here and for the people that actually helped us out,” his parents added.

WESH reported that Ernesto was taken to three different hospitals, where he was eventually diagnosed with, Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, or CPVT— a rare condition that causes an irregular heart rhythm. It can be life-threatening.

“Never had he had any issue or instance of any heart, anything that would have put us on alert,” his parents told WESH.

The 5-year-old underwent surgery, where he now has a device on the side of his chest that will shock him if something happens.

Now, his parents are urging others to get training in CPR and for AUD machines to be accessible everywhere.

“Every doctor that had come into our room while we were at the hospital with him, they all credited [mom] for saving his life basically,” his father said.

“When it comes to matters of the heart and the brain, with CPR, every second and every minute truly counts,” his mother said.

His parents told WESH they were thankful Disney World had an AED when this incident happened.

For additional information on CPR, or to sign up to get training and certification, click here .

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