American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania

Help your community when disaster strikes. Get trained now to be ready to help in an emergency.

Find out more and get started: redcross.org/volunteer

“He was my heart when I needed him to be my heart.”

Just weeks after learning CPR in health class at Dauphin County Technical School, Jeremiah Stepp never expected to use it, let alone to save his father’s life.

What started as a quick chore, carrying a heater upstairs, turned into a life-or-death moment. As soon as they walked in, Jeremiah’s father, Michael, collapsed. Within seconds, Jeremiah realized something was very wrong: no breathing, no response.

He didn’t hesitate.

While his mother called 911, Jeremiah lowered his father to the floor and began chest compressions, relying on training he had learned just weeks earlier. He stayed focused, continuing CPR until first responders arrived, keeping blood flowing during cardiac arrest.

Michael Stepp would later learn he had been without a heartbeat for 25 minutes, and yet, he survived and recovered without lasting brain or organ damage. Because Jeremiah acted.

“I love my son with all my heart,” Michael said. “And he was my heart when I needed him to be.”

Stories like Jeremiah’s are a powerful reminder during National CPR and AED Awareness Week: cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere — and most often, it happens at home. In fact, about 70% of cardiac arrests occur in a home, meaning the person who needs help is likely someone you love.

In those critical moments, every second matters. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.

Jeremiah was later honored with an American Red Cross Lifesaving Award, a national program recognizing those who use their skills to help save or sustain a life. The presentation also became a moment to prepare others. During the event, about 200 students were trained in Hands-Only CPR, a skill anyone can learn that involves chest compressions without any mouth-to-mouth contact.

Because of Jeremiah, more people are now ready to act.

“I was fortunate where [my cardiac arrest] took place, as I was surrounded by other people,” Michael said. “I was with an individual who had been trained two to three weeks prior, so he knew what he was doing immediately upon the situation.”

This week is a reminder that anyone can be that person.
Learn CPR. Know how to use an AED. Because when the moment comes, you could be the heart someone needs. ❤️

In the 105 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there’s a lot to celebrate! This summer, between the cookouts, vacays, pool parties & reunions, can you spare an hour to give more life? You could give patients time to enjoy more celebrations too. Book: https://rcblood.org/appt

When disasters happen, Red Cross volunteers are there.

From local home fires to hurricanes, volunteers help families facing some of their worst days. Right now, we’re looking for people ready to step up and support their community.

Interested in learning more?
Join our free virtual Lunch and Learn about Red Cross disaster volunteering.
📅 Thursday, June 4, 2026
🕛 Noon
💻 Zoom
🔗 Attend via the link in comments

People have stepped up to care for one another through the Red Cross for generations. You can be part of that mission! ❤️

Your help is urgently needed! After a dangerous drop in scheduled appointments, we're asking donors of all blood types to hurry in to give to help keep the blood and platelet supply strong this summer. Every donation is crucial! Please book: https://rcblood.org/appt

In the moments that matter, training, teamwork and courage can make all the difference.

On the morning of St. Patrick’s Day 2025, Bill Moncuse of West Manchester Township, York County, found his wife, Barbara, collapsed and struggling to breathe. Within moments, she stopped breathing altogether. As he called 911 and began CPR, help was already on the way.

West Manchester Township Fire Department District Chief Nicholas Mann and Firefighter Ethan Six were nearby when the cardiac arrest call came through. They arrived within minutes, quickly assessed the situation, took over CPR and used an AED—working seamlessly alongside other responders until Barbara regained a pulse and began breathing on her own. Because of their swift, skilled actions, she went on to make a full recovery.

To recognize their extraordinary actions, the American Red Cross of Central Pennsylvania presented Chief Mann and Firefighter Six with the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders. The event also honored District Chief Roy Gentzler with the Lifesaving Instructor Award for his role in training others in the skills that save lives.

Bill and Barbara were also in attendance, sharing their gratitude for the responders who were there when they needed them most—a meaningful reminder of the importance of lifesaving training.

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. 💙

Planning a picnic this holiday weekend? Grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires each year. Swipe through for tips to stay safe!