When Keystone RV employee Pat Moran suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed at work, his Plant 2 coworkers responded immediately. They recognized the emergency, called for help and began CPR until professional first responders arrived.
On September 2, Moran returned to Plant 2 alongside his coworkers, first responders and healthcare professionals — this time under very different circumstances. The gathering was an opportunity to give thanks for his recovery, reunite many of the people who played a part in his care and recognize a response that extended from the plant floor into the surrounding community.
Five Keystone employees — Abby Thomas, Michelle Wolfe, Jerry Troyer, Johnny Eppert and Harry Vance — were individually recognized for stepping in during those first moments.
“When Pat needed help, our team responded. They knew what to do, they worked together and, most importantly, they were there for their coworker when he needed them,” said Jeff Runels, president of Keystone RV. “We’re incredibly grateful for the five employees who took immediate action and for the way the Plant 2 team continued to support Pat and his family afterward. It’s a powerful reminder that safety is ultimately about taking care of people.”
A Team That Kept Showing Up
Moran has worked at Keystone for six years in Plant 2’s slideout operation. While five coworkers responded during the immediate emergency, the care shown to Moran and his family did not end when he left the facility.
In the days that followed, Plant 2 employees visited Moran in the hospital and gathered in prayer, continuing to support their coworker and his family throughout his recovery.
That combination of preparedness, teamwork and compassion was at the heart of the Plant 2 Appreciation & Recognition gathering, held during the plant’s regular production lunch.
Individual plaques were presented to Thomas, Wolfe, Troyer, Eppert and Vance, while Plant 2 received a team plaque acknowledging the collective response and continued support of Moran and his family.
Keystone also expressed its gratitude to local Fire/EMS, Police and Goshen Health for continuing the chain of care that began on the plant floor.
Every Second Matters
Blair MacPhail, MD, interventional cardiologist at Goshen Heart & Vascular Center, joined the gathering and spoke about the importance of recognizing a cardiac emergency and taking immediate action.
“Survival and recovery during a cardiac emergency often depend on how quickly people recognize the signs and take action,” said MacPhail. “This outcome reflects the extraordinary teamwork that occurs when an entire community comes together, from bystanders who stepped in to help, to first responders, law enforcement officers, EMS professionals, and the emergency and cardiovascular care teams at Goshen Health. Every person played a critical role in providing timely, coordinated care. We are grateful for the quick actions and dedication of everyone involved, and we encourage all community members to learn the skills that could one day help save a life.”
The gathering brought together that complete chain of care — from coworkers who responded in the first moments, to first responders who continued Moran’s care at the scene, to the healthcare professionals who cared for him at the hospital.
A Moment of Gratitude
For Moran, the opportunity to reconnect with those who supported him carried special meaning.
“It’s hard to put into words what it means to know that the people I work beside every day were there for me when I needed them most,” said Moran. “I’m incredibly thankful for everyone who stepped in to help, for the first responders and doctors and nurses who took care of me, and for everyone who came to the hospital, prayed for me and supported my family. I’m just grateful to be here, and I’ll never forget what everyone did for me.”
Moran also shared special thanks for the family members who remained beside him throughout his recovery. His son, Shawn Moran; daughter, Danielle Krinn; and cousin, Trina Kraft, were with him every step of the way, while his brother, Phillip Moran, and sister, Lori Moran, flew in to be by his side. Their presence, encouragement and support provided strength to Moran throughout his recovery.
Moran’s experience is a reminder of why workplace preparedness matters. Training and emergency procedures are essential, but in a critical moment, they depend on people who are prepared and willing to act.
At Plant 2, coworkers stepped in when one of their own needed help. First responders and healthcare professionals continued that care. And in the days that followed, his coworkers continued showing up for Moran and his family.
Above all, the September 2 gathering was a simple opportunity to bring those people together and say thank you — to the coworkers who stepped in, the team that rallied around one of its own, and the community professionals who continued Moran’s care.
Most importantly, it was an opportunity to celebrate the fact that Pat Moran was there with them.
