Cast Member And Service Dog Save Guest After Suffering Heart Attack

A Disney Guest, who reportedly was suffering from cardiac arrest while at Disney's Hollywood Studios -- one of Walt Disney World's four theme parks, was saved by a Cast Member and their service dog.

On June 21, around noon, a female Guest appeared to go into cardiac arrest near the Star Wars Launch Bay area of Disney's Hollywood Studios. The incident took place outside of the Darth Vadar meet and greet, according to WDWNT.

A Star Wars Launch Bay Cast Member was on duty with their own medical alert dog, who is appropriately named Pluto, and witnessed the incident occur. The Cast Member and their service dog were able to provide first aid assistance to the Guest in need until the paramedics arrived.

The Disney World Cast Member and their service dog then continued to help and assist the Guest’s family, including her infant son.

Disney Cast Members are allowed to work alongside their service dogs, all of which are trained to alert and assist their owners with various medical issues, including heart issues, diabetes, and more.

Guests can also bring their service animals to Disney World, as the official website states, "a service animal is a dog or miniature horse that is trained to do work or perform tasks for, and to assist, an individual with a disability."

"Service animals must be under the control of the owner at all times and should remain on a leash or in a harness. Cast Members are not able to take control of service animals," the website continues to state. "Due to the nature of some attractions, service animals may not be permitted to ride. At these locations, please ask a Cast Member about available options, including Rider Switch with a member of your party or a portable kennel."

Disney also states, "Service animals are not allowed in the water—including water features and fountains—or closer than 4 feet to the water on wet decks."

Walt Disney World also provides service release areas located around all four theme parks for service dogs. "Service animals are welcome to use any open outdoor area for relief as long as the owner picks up after the animal and leaves the area clean. Relief areas include the theme parks, Resort hotels and other Guest areas," per Disney.

Jacklyn first joined Walt Disney Imagineering as a communications professional intern. After accepting the position, Disney learned that they would not just have Jacklyn join the team, but her service dog, Noodle, as well.

Noodle became the first canine Imagineer in Florida, and it is no surprise she quickly stole the hearts of Disney Cast Members.

“Walt Disney Imagineering has gone above and beyond to accommodate Noodle and make sure she’s happy, healthy, and safe,” Jacklyn said. “I never thought I’d adopt a service animal, and it was intimidating coming into a new space without knowing how people would react to her. Noodle was accepted immediately, and she’s truly a member of the Imagineering team.”

“Noodle doesn’t just keep me safe. She makes everyone else happy too, which melts my heart,” Jacklyn continued. “Imagineering legends that I’ve idolized my entire life love Noodle as much as I do. Whether it’s a smile in the hallway or pets around the office, I hear all the time that their days are instantly better when they meet her.”