Taylor Krupp has helped save countless lives as a nurse in the Emergency Department at Michigan Medicine. But earlier this year, he had to use his skills to save a family member when a game of pickleball turned into a life-or-death situation.

At a family gathering March 6 in New Lothrop, a small rural farm town in Shiawassee County, Krupp’s 56-year-old uncle Keith Vrable was playing pickleball when he suddenly collapsed on the court. Krupp, a graduate of U-M’s nursing program (and a former U-M football player), was the only one at the event with a medical background, and he quickly sprang into action.

“We handle cardiac arrests in our profession, but I never thought I would have to witness and experience that with family,” Krupp said.

Instinct took over — Krupp did not feel a pulse, so he started CPR immediately. He performed chest compressions and told family members to call 911.

“I can’t begin to explain how difficult and scary this incident was. We were miles from any hospital and, having been an ER nurse at Michigan Medicine for seven years, I knew the importance of timely interventions, especially with heart attacks,” Krupp said.

“Time was going to be the biggest threat to a good outcome.”

Delivering life-saving care

Fortunately, the pickleball facility where Krupp’s family was gathered had an automated external defibrillator. Krupp quickly applied the AED, which showed a shockable rhythm. He delivered a life-saving shock, then continued CPR.

“We were beyond blessed that, in a community that small, we happened to be in one of the only locations in town that had an AED. It was nothing short of a miracle,” he said.

When EMS arrived, it was in a basic life support ambulance.

“BLS ambulances are typically not involved in life-threatening situations, and they are limited in their scope of practice,” Krupp said.

As a result, Krupp had to continue leading the resuscitation effort with compressions and AED defibrillation during the 20-minute ride to the McLaren Medical Center in Flint.

During transport, Vrable’s heart stopped again. An IV line was established to administer emergency medications, and another shock was delivered.

“I am beyond proud of myself for not freezing in the moment, commanding control and going right into ACLS [Advanced Cardiac Life Support] mode,” Krupp said.

A happy outcome

Thanks to Krupp’s persistent efforts, his uncle regained a pulse and was stable upon arrival at a local hospital, where he was rushed straight to the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Doctors discovered Vrable had a 100% blockage of his left anterior descending artery, also called a “widowmaker” heart attack. He was implanted with a stent and discharged the next day.

“Taylor’s knowledge and training went into action when needed most and no doubt saved his family member’s life,” said Ben Bassin, medical director of the Michigan Medicine Emergency Critical Care Center.

Krupp attributes his response during the stressful situation to the skills and experience he has gained at Michigan Medicine, where he has earned a DAISY Award, a prestigious honor that celebrated Krupp’s exceptional efforts on behalf of his patients and their families.

“I was able to see my uncle the day he was discharged and arrived back home,” Krupp said. “It was such a surreal feeling. I can honestly say that there’s no way he’d be here without Michigan Medicine.”

“This facility, the patients and situations that we are exposed to, as well as working alongside such an incredible team of physicians and nurses — all of it allowed me to gain the experience and confidence needed for my uncle to achieve this outcome,” he said.

Back at work, Krupp has been reflecting on the event with a deep sense of gratitude.

Krupp’s ordeal is a tribute to the lifesaving capabilities of emergency medicine and the importance of CPR and AED training. His heroism that day didn’t just save a life — it reaffirmed why trained, quick-thinking professionals are invaluable during any medical emergency.

As for Krupp’s uncle, he’s doing well now.

“He’s currently undergoing cardiac rehab, has zero restrictions, and is already back on the pickleball court with his friends and family. He’s excited to enjoy his summer,” Krupp said.

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