By Rebecca Robinson 

Thanks to quick actions and exemplary teamwork, Stephen Funk of Paradise, Lancaster County lived to tell the tale of the harrowing morning of June 1, 2023. After experiencing what he described as bad indigestion overnight, Funk decided to drive himself to the hospital. 

“I remember leaving the house, and then I woke up in the hospital about three weeks later,” Funk said. 

Funk suffered cardiac arrest while driving on a busy highway. His vehicle veered off the road and struck a jersey wall repeatedly for nearly a mile. Keith Still had just finished his shift as a firefighter and EMT at Manheim Township Fire Rescue and happened to be driving behind Funk. Sensing something was gravely wrong, Still sprang into action. Once the vehicle stopped, Still called 911, pulled Funk out and immediately began performing CPR, quickly identifying that Funk was having a heart attack. 

“This person needs help, and I’m here to provide him help,” Still said. “I know what to do, and I’m going to provide him help and I did." 

Still’s quick thinking and decisive actions were soon supported by other bystanders. Lt. Col. Mark Martella of the Pennsylvania National Guard and Michael Deitz, a former police officer, stopped to help with CPR. Officers Dylan Canada and Michael Tappen of the Manheim Police Department responded to the scene, providing crucial support. Paramedic Coral Latsha of Tower Direct, along with EMT Brent Riehl and paramedic supervisor Robert Hancock from the Manheim Township Ambulance Association, delivered lifesaving care that sustained Funk through this critical period. 

Funk, a devoted husband and father of two, said he owes his life to the swift and coordinated efforts of the eight people who stopped to help. He later nominated them for American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards. After more than two weeks in a medically induced coma, Funk made a full recovery from his cardiac arrest, a testament to the lifesaving actions of these eight heroes. 

“My wife and I talked afterwards, and there was like 10 or 11 things that had to literally align for it to happen,” Funk said. “For Keith to behind me is just absolutely crazy, because he knew right away it was cardiac arrest.” 

On July 16, 2024, Funk, his family and members of the community gathered at Manheim Township Fire Rescue to honor the eight individuals with American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards. Established in 1911, the award embodies the Red Cross mission to alleviate human suffering during emergencies. Since the program was revived in 2018, the awards have only been given to 2,800 individuals worldwide. 

“In my experience with the Red Cross, I’ve learned that heroes, the brave men and women willing to step forward and help a stranger during their greatest time of need, are all around us,” said Laura Burke, executive director of the American Red Cross Central Pennsylvania Chapter. “I’ve also learned that these individuals are not common. To act quickly and decisively during a crisis takes a level of courage reserved for a chosen few.” 

Seven of the eight award recipients joined together with Funk for the heartfelt ceremony. While there, the group highlighted the bonds that were forged through this life-altering event. 

“The biggest reward is seeing [Funk] interact with his wife and kids,” Still said. “That’s truly the coolest thing in the world.” 

“I’m just happy to be here,” Funk said. “I live every day to the fullest now like it could be my last, because you never know. When I left my house that morning, I never knew I was going to be gone for even a month, let alone forever. It’s kind of crazy at 47, you never know.” 

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time without warning. The Red Cross encourages everyone to learn first aid, CPR and how to use an AED, to have the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency and help save lives. Every second counts, so people need to know what to do until medical help arrives. Visit redcross.org/takeaclass to register for a course today.