A girl is in a coma Friday night – 48 hours after a roller coaster ride. The 12-year-old went into full cardiac arrest at Circus Circus on Wednesday evening and now he family of Catlynne Shaw is thanking an off-duty firefighter for bringing her back to life.

She was not breathing, had no pulse and her heart wasn't beating after that ride. An off-duty firefighter who just happened to be there performed CPR and used the defibrillator. He's being hailed a hero.

The canyon blaster at Circus Circus' Adventuredome Theme Park is a popular thrill ride. But those thrills sadly turned into chills for Catlynne Shaw and her family when the ride ended, Catlynne's life nearly did too.

“She's never had a history, any conditions with her heart. She's a healthy girl, she's young. She's only 12 years old,” said Eric Shaw. He is Catlynne's father. After the ride, Catlynne went into full cardiac arrest. Off-duty firefighter Ed Granil was there and saw that something had gone horribly wrong.

“Ed was basically her guardian angel that day. That he was meant to be there for her,” said Scott Allison of Clark County Fire Department.

He's credited with bringing Catlynne back to life.

“It is a period of death because you're not breathing. Your heart is not pumping,” said Allison.

Eric Shaw's voice says it all. This father couldn't be more thankful.

“If it wasn't for him, things could have turned out a whole lot different. That somebody who doesn't even know her would have the courage to step forward, and do what he knew needed to be done has made all the difference. If he wasn't there, things could have turned out a whole lot different,” he said.

To make matters worse for this family, Catlynne had just lost her grandfather the day before. That trip to Circus Circus was supposed to make the children feel better.

Catlynne is still in critical condition. She's breathing with the help of a ventilator. She's still in the coma, but she's responsive, which is a good sign. And they are praying that Catlynne will open her eyes in the morning.

Email your comments to Reporter Aaron Drawhorn.

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