A routine morning at her son’s basketball practice turned into a life-or-death situation for Wea Ridge Elementary School second grade teacher Erin Funk. Thanks to her CPR and AED training, Funk was able to respond quickly and help save a woman’s life.

On that December night, Funk heard a frantic cry: “Call 911, she’s not breathing!” She rushed to the scene, where a young woman had collapsed on the basketball court. Funk immediately checked for a pulse—there was none. A nurse arrived and confirmed the same. 

“We started CPR and called for an AED,” Funk recounts. “The nurse performed compressions while I applied the AED pads. We shocked her and continued compressions until the fire department arrived.”

Funk says doctors determined the woman had an undiagnosed heart condition. They credited the use of the AED with restarting her heart and saving her life. Now, she is healthy and recovering—a reality that Funk calls the most rewarding part of the experience.

For her heroic actions, Funk was honored with the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver Hero Award. Steve Tobias, the Tippecanoe School Corporation’s Director of Buildings, Grounds and Safety, presented the award on behalf of the AHA. Tobias, who also trained Funk in CPR, praised her quick thinking and decisive actions.

“We’re here to recognize Erin for performing an exemplary service and helping save a life,” Tobias said. “Her actions that night were tremendous. This award is a testament to her training and her willingness to step up in a critical moment.”

Funk hopes her story spreads awareness of the importance of CPR and AED training and the value of the training the TSC provides for its employees.

“When I took the class last May, I remember Steve keeping it very straightforward—call 911, get an AED, start compressions,” she said. “When the moment came, I felt nervous but prepared. It was exactly like what we practiced. It really demonstrates the value of the training we get at the TSC.”