Teen Honored for Saving Dad's Life with CPR

Jeremiah Stepp performed lifesaving chest compressions on his father after he collapsed while carrying a heater into their Pennsylvania home.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:52pm

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Jeremiah Stepp, a high school senior in Dauphin, Pennsylvania, was honored by the American Red Cross for saving his father's life using CPR. In November 2025, Jeremiah's father, Michael Stepp, collapsed while the two were carrying a heater into their home. Jeremiah immediately began performing chest compressions on his unresponsive father, a skill he had recently learned in his high school health class. Jeremiah's quick action revived his father, who was technically dead for 25 minutes.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of CPR training, especially for young people, and how it can make the difference between life and death in emergency situations. It also showcases the powerful bond between a father and son, with Michael crediting Jeremiah's actions for giving him the 'opportunity to live' after his close call.

The details

On November 25, 2025, Jeremiah Stepp and his father Michael were carrying a heater into their home in Dauphin, Pennsylvania when Michael suddenly collapsed and became unresponsive. Jeremiah immediately started performing CPR, which he had recently learned in his high school health class. While Jeremiah administered chest compressions, his mother called 911. Jeremiah continued the lifesaving efforts until first responders arrived on the scene.

  • On November 25, 2025, Jeremiah and his father were carrying a heater into their home when the incident occurred.
  • On March 31, 2026, the American Red Cross presented Jeremiah with a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action at his high school.

The players

Jeremiah Stepp

A senior at Dauphin County Technical School who saved his father's life by performing CPR after he collapsed.

Michael Stepp

Jeremiah's father, who collapsed and became unresponsive while carrying a heater into his home, but was revived by his son's CPR efforts.

American Red Cross

The organization that presented Jeremiah with a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action for his heroic actions.

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What they’re saying

“When I found out that Jeremiah had saved my life, as a father to a son, you couldn't ask for a greater son.”

— Michael Stepp

“Because of his incredible heroic actions... we were able to speak to 200 soon-to-be adults... about the importance of knowing this lifesaving information.”

— George Martinez, American Red Cross

What’s next

The Red Cross plans to use Jeremiah's story to further educate young people about the importance of learning CPR.

The takeaway

This story underscores the vital role that CPR training can play in saving lives, especially when it is quickly and properly administered by a bystander. Jeremiah's actions demonstrate the power of preparedness and the strong bond between a father and son.