Teaching Skills That Can Save Lives

I've always believed that when you learn something valuable, you should share it with the people around you. The Air Force taught me that, and I've carried it through my whole career: learn it, do it, teach it.

I've spent more than 30 years in maintenance, as a technician and as a manager, including 27 years with a power company. Along the way I built deep experience with electrical systems and working safely around them, backed by OSHA 10, OSHA 30 and NFPA 70E electrical safety training. Today I work as a reliability manager in maintenance and automation.

Some of the most rewarding parts of that work had nothing to do with equipment. They came from helping the people I worked with build the knowledge, skills and confidence to do the job safely and correctly. I still do that every day with the technicians I work alongside.

Then in 2023, an experience gave teaching lifesaving skills a whole new meaning.

A wake-up call in the driveway

I was outside shoveling the driveway. There wasn't much snow, and it wasn't hard work, but I was out of breath in a way that didn't make sense.

Looking back, it wasn't just that one moment. Small signs had been adding up for a while, telling me something wasn't right. That moment pushed me to find out what was going on.

That led to a stress test, then more tests. I went in expecting a single stent. Instead, in April 2023, I came out with six coronary artery bypasses.

I learned firsthand how easy it is to overlook warning signs, and how quickly life can change.

Why I teach CPR

My heart surgery didn't make me a teacher. I already was one. It gave that drive a new purpose.

I think about my own family first. I've been married 37 years and I'm a father of six. Those are the people I'd want ready if something ever happened to me, and the people I'd want to be ready for.

I became a CPR and safety instructor because I want families, coworkers and everyday people to recognize when something is wrong, have the confidence to respond, and know exactly what to do. It might be your spouse, your child, a parent, a coworker or a stranger. Knowing how to recognize an emergency, start CPR and use an AED can make all the difference.

If what I teach helps even one person save a life, it's worth it.

More than a certification card

Through Twin State Safety, I teach American Heart Association Heartsaver® CPR, AED and First Aid courses. Yes, you'll leave with a course completion card. But my real goal is that you leave confident you can act when it matters most.

You don't have to be a medical professional or a first responder to save a life. You just need the chance to learn, the willingness to practice, and the confidence to act.

That's what my classes are built for: practical, hands-on training on real manikins, in a relaxed and encouraging setting where no question is a dumb question. You'll leave better prepared than when you walked in.