ILLINOIS — A vacation turned into a life-saving mission for Dr. Jeffery Schiappa, a suburban Chicago physician who jumped into action after spotting a collapsed teen girl at Walt Disney World — an act of compassion and bravery that’s now inspiring people across Illinois and beyond.
Dr. Schiappa, a family medicine doctor at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, was enjoying time with his grandchildren when he noticed a group of distressed teens and saw one of them unconscious on the ground.
“These little girls were crying… I didn’t know what was happening, and then I see this girl on the ground, unresponsive,” he told NBC Chicago.
Acting Fast With a Lifesaving Device
Working alongside his son, Schiappa retrieved and deployed an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) from a nearby station inside the park.
“My son ran and grabbed an AED… we put the paddles on her and shocked her,” he recalled.
The teen had to be shocked twice on-site, and later coded two more times en route to the hospital. She was diagnosed with a Long QT Interval, a heart condition that can lead to sudden death if untreated. Doctors say she wouldn’t have survived without immediate intervention.
A Message Beyond Medicine: Be the Person Who Steps Up
Dr. Schiappa’s actions didn’t just save a life — they delivered a powerful reminder to the public.
“Anybody could have used that AED,” he emphasized. “You just have to be brave enough to use it.”
AEDs are available throughout Disney Parks — and in many Illinois public spaces, including schools, gyms, and transit hubs. These machines provide clear voice instructions and are safe for use by anyone, regardless of medical training.
The Power of Kindness, Preparedness, and Courage
Schiappa later received a thank-you note from the teen’s family, but says the real impact was knowing he could help at the right moment.
“It made me feel like I was in the right place at the right time,” he said. “This young person would have not made it if we didn’t come in at that point. She may have gone off to college and never known.”
Why Every Illinois Resident Should Learn From This
This story is not just about a doctor doing his job — it’s about any person stepping in with courage and compassion.
AEDs are legally protected under Illinois’ Good Samaritan laws, and bystanders are encouraged to act in emergencies. Whether you’re a doctor or not, your willingness to try could save a life.
Let this be a moment where Illinois residents reflect — not only on Dr. Schiappa’s heroism, but on how each of us can prepare, stay alert, and act for the good of others.
Do you know where the nearest AED is in your school, workplace, or local park? Find out — and be ready to help. Stories like these start with people like you. Visit ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com to learn more.
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