Quick Response Saves Child on Guardians Ride – Parents Credit EMT, Nurse, and Disney AED. A Nightmare situation for any parent or guardian developed quickly, and if it weren’t for the mother’s training, a nurse and EMT couple, Disney Cast Members, and an Automated External Defibrillators (AED) located at the exit to Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, the situation could have ended tragically.
On September 21st, Guardians of the Galaxy was packed with guests trying to experience a once-a-year event where the song September by Earth Wind, and Fire would be played on a loop. The ride came to a standstill around 1:45 PM and was down for around 2 hours, which Cast Members had said was due to technical issues. (obviously, cast members may not have known the real issue, and they definitely cannot tell guests what had happened)
“This family-thrill attraction features the first-ever reverse-launch on a Disney coaster and is one of the largest fully-enclosed coasters in the world! An innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering—this coaster rotates 360 degrees so you can focus on the action!”
The Original Post came from the Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks where the mother was hoping to find “pixie dust” and locate those who she credits with saving her child’s life. Which she eventually did.
Part 1: “Hi Everyone! I have a long post here, but I’m looking for some pixie dust! On Saturday 9/21 at 1 pm my family and I boarded Guardians of the Galaxy (our favorite ride). About 20 seconds in I noticed my 5-year-old old son passed out, through the whole ride I couldn’t get him to wake up.
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, and kept him stable as he began to have seizures until EMT services came.
My Son is alive, my son lived because when his (now we know) genetic heart disease presented itself we were at Disney where there is an AED everywhere. My son is alive because we were at Disney with trained staff. My son is alive because of this couple. My son is alive because I was trained in CPR (parents PLEASE PLEASE get trained if you aren’t)
Please help me find them. Disney is helping me find amazing staff members but I don’t have this couple’s names. Are you here? Can you share this story in your Disney groups? Disney always had my heart, but now they own it , they have my thanks, and I am in debt to them forever and ever 
Part 2: 
Update! 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.
We are overwhelmed by the love and support from our Disney community. Our plans are to go and visit these amazing people and give them hugs and love and say our thanks face to face. On Saturday one of the EMTs told me they rarely ever get to know the outcome of their patients- my prayer is that they know on this day a little boy lives to do great things because of all they did 
As you can see the Mother credits, AED, EMTs, and trained Cast Members, but she should also be given credit. For quick thinking in a panic situation, but also for knowing what an AED can help with and her quick actions.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are accessible throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
What Are AEDs?
Related: How to Stay, Play, and Make the Most of Disney World with Kids
AEDs are medical devices that can help save lives in the event of cardiac arrest. When necessary, they send an electric current to the heart to help it reset itself from an ineffective rhythm.
Who Can Use AEDs?
AEDs may be used by any Cast Member or Guest in response to a cardiac emergency. No training or certification is required. The device will prompt the user with step-by-step verbal instructions. All AEDs deployed at Walt Disney World Resort are suitable for use on adults and children. Mobile security units and recreation lifeguards are also equipped with AEDs.
How Do I Find an AED?
See your Guest guide map for icons denoting AED locations or visit Guest Services. You can also ask a Cast Member. AED units are housed in cabinets similar to those used to house fire extinguishers and display the AED symbol.
What Else Should I Do?
In the event of a cardiac emergency, have a Cast Member call 911. You can also dial 911 from any phone.
