Nurse Taylor Krupp’s Quick Action Saves Uncle During Pickleball Game

Taylor Krupp, an ER nurse at Michigan Medicine, used his skills to save his uncle’s life during a pickleball game.

June 23, 2025

In a remarkable turn of events, Taylor Krupp, a dedicated nurse in the Emergency Department at Michigan Medicine, used his medical expertise to save a family member’s life during a game of pickleball. Earlier this year, Krupp’s uncle, Keith Vrable, collapsed on the court during a family gathering in New Lothrop, Michigan. As the only medically trained individual present, Krupp immediately took action, demonstrating his emergency response skills honed at Michigan Medicine.

Nurse Taylor Krupp photographed at U-M Hospital in June 2025. — Taylor Krupp a nurse at Michigan Medicine photographed at University Hospital during a break from his shift in the Emergency Department Christina Merrill Michigan Photography

On March 6, Vrable, 56, collapsed while playing pickleball. Krupp, a U-M nursing graduate and former football player, acted swiftly. “We handle cardiac arrests in our profession, but I never thought I would have to witness and experience that with family,” Krupp stated.

Instinctively, he checked for a pulse and started CPR when none was found. He instructed family members to call 911. “Time was going to be the biggest threat to a good outcome,” Krupp emphasized, recognizing the urgency of the situation.

Delivering life-saving care

Luckily, the facility had an automated external defibrillator (AED), which Krupp used to deliver a shock after detecting a shockable rhythm. He continued CPR until medical help arrived. “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.

Nurse Taylor Krupp outside the Emergency Room at University Hospital — Krupp outside the Emergency Department at University Hospital Christina Merrill Michigan Photography

Upon EMS arrival, only a basic life support ambulance was available, requiring Krupp to maintain the resuscitation effort during the 20-minute transport to McLaren Medical Center in Flint. Vrable’s heart stopped again, necessitating another shock and emergency medications.

“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 remarked.

A happy outcome

Krupp’s relentless efforts resulted in his uncle regaining a pulse and stabilizing at the hospital, where doctors found a 100% blockage in the left anterior descending artery, commonly known as a “widowmaker” heart attack. After stent placement, Vrable was discharged the next day.

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

Krupp credits his preparedness to the experiences and skills gained at Michigan Medicine, where he received the DAISY Award for exceptional patient care.

Vrable is now recovering well, attending cardiac rehab without restrictions, and back on the pickleball court. “He’s excited to enjoy his summer,” Krupp said.