Faith, skill and swift action save a life

What began as a relaxing summer day on the beach quickly became a moment that would test courage, faith and the power of community.

Bruce and Tiffany Brown were enjoying a peaceful afternoon on Peanut Island along Florida’s eastern coast when Bruce suddenly became unresponsive.

“She heard what she described as a death rattle,” Brown said. “My head was laid back in the chair — and that started the whole event of a miracle.”

Brown had gone into cardiac arrest. In an instant, three strangers — including Dr. Vincent Valente, an emergency medicine physician at AdventHealth Winter Park — rushed to his side. Without hesitation, they began performing CPR as others searched the island for an automated external defibrillator (AED).

“My training really just kicked in,” said Dr. Valente. “It’s what I do every – but everyone came together, and there was such a sense of purpose and prayer.”

As Dr. Valente and the others performed chest compressions for more than 20 minutes, a woman in the crowd began to pray aloud. Dozens of beachgoers joined her, creating a circle of hope and faith around Bruce as CPR continued.

Finally, an AED was located — and a shock was delivered. Moments later, Bruce began to breathe again.

Ninety percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die, in part because they do not receive CPR in time, according to the American Heart Association. But quick action and the use of an AED can double or triple survival rates.

“For the people who were there that day, had it not been that set of people, I don't think we would have had the outcome that we did,” Tiffany Brown said.

Two days later, Bruce Brown was awake, alert and able to meet Dr. Valente and the two others who came to his rescue.

“They didn’t just save him that day,” said Tiffany Brown. “They continue to check on him and care for him. I can never thank them enough.”

For Dr. Valente, the experience was both humbling and sacred.

“You never know the hour or the time when some event is going to happen like this to change your life. But Bruce Brown and his wife, Tiffany, will be etched in my heart, my mind until the day I die.”

Bruce’s story serves as a reminder that everyone — not just medical professionals — can be part of a life-saving miracle. AdventHealth partners with the American Heart Association to promote CPR and AED training in communities across Central Florida, helping more people gain the skills to act in those first crucial minutes.

To learn more about hands-only CPR or find a local training opportunity, visit Heart.org/CPR.