HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and Culpepper's Cardiac Foundation donate an AED to Brandon Veterans Hall

Culpepper's Cardiac Foundation and HCA Florida Brandon Hospital united to donate an AED (automated external defibrillator) to the Brandon Veterans Hall. Melanie Brown Culpepper, founder of Culpepper's Cardiac Foundation (CCF), and Brandy Provencher, Director of Cardiac Services at Brandon Hospital, presented the life-saving device to the members at Brandon Veterans Hall.

This AED placement supports local veterans and ensures access to life-saving technology during a cardiac emergency. An AED is a medical device that can analyze a person's heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat. When used with CPR, it can help keep a person alive until emergency assistance can arrive. Eric Shimcus, paramedic and CCF volunteer, provided a demonstration on how to provide CPR and use the AED, so the veteran community is prepared in an emergency situation.

"We are a hospital and community with a large veteran and active duty population. We are very grateful for those who have served in our armed forces. It is an honor to provide this life-saving AED to Brandon Veterans Hall," said Brandy Provencher, Director of Cardiovascular Services at Brandon Hospital.

The Culpepper's Cardiac Foundation started as a way for Melanie Culpepper to heal herself after the sudden passing of her fiancé. In 2020, Michael Culpepper died from cardiac arrest at his home. There was not an AED accessible.

She decided she wanted to honor her fiancé by saving someone else. She started Culpepper's Cardiac Foundation and raised money to place AEDs at local restaurants and establishments. Culpepper and her team tirelessly fight to raise awareness of heart disease and be prepared with AEDs.

"I knew I could raise money and help some people. That was the only way I could heal myself," said Melanie Brown Culpepper. "I knew in my heart I couldn't save him that day, but I knew I could save someone else."

This AED placed at the Brandon Veterans Hall is the 47^th AED donated by Culpepper's Cardiac Foundation and their supporters like Brandon Hospital.