By Ethan Jones
When it comes to heart health, many people take it for granted—often until it’s too late. By the time a heart attack occurs, precious moments may have already been lost. That’s why having an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) readily available is so important. With an AED on hand, you can act quickly in the event of a cardiac emergency, potentially saving a life.
AEDs play a critical role in survival during heart-related emergencies, and raising awareness about their importance is exactly what Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation aims to do. On May 22nd at Kimber’s Bar & Grill, I had the opportunity to hear a powerful presentation from the foundation about the life-saving impact of AEDs.
The founder of Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, Melanie Brown Culpepper Bielke, shared the story behind the organization. After the tragic loss of her finance’ to a heart attack, Melanie was inspired to start the foundation in his memory. Her goal: to bring awareness to AEDs and the vital role they can play in saving lives.
One of the main initiatives of the foundation is placing AEDs in critical locations. Each month, the organization donates two AEDs—or three, when supported through their “Pay It Forward” donation system. For those unfamiliar, “Pay It Forward” involves a sponsor funding the placement of an AED at a specific location. The event at Kimber’s Bar & Grill was made possible through such a sponsorship by the Lake Wales Moose Lodge. Kimber’s Bar & Grill became the 66th location to receive an AED from the foundation.
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation also supports future first responders by awarding three annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in fire, medical, or EMT services. This initiative underscores their strong commitment to supporting those on the front lines of emergency response.
In addition to AED demonstrations, Melanie includes other life-saving tools in her presentations—such as a fire extinguisher, seatbelt cutter, Narcan, and a choking dummy. These items are essential in emergencies and help prevent tragedies before they occur.
Looking ahead, Melanie is organizing an event called “Saving Lives Matters,” scheduled for November 15th. This event will offer further education on life-saving techniques and community preparedness. She emphasizes that the foundation’s work would not be possible without the incredible support of the community.
Culpepper’s Cardian Foundation also provides CPR classes once a month. These classes require a minimum of ten participants and result in certification, further empowering individuals to take action in emergencies.
One thing is clear: Melanie and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation continue to make a powerful, positive impact on our communities—helping save lives and promote a culture of preparedness and compassion.
