inspire-cpr

AED’s – Shocking Easy to Use!

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:00:08 GMT

Why Anyone Can Use an AED in an Emergency

Many of our students are SHOCKED to learn how easy it is to use Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s). AED training is part of all our classes at Inspire CPR in Amesbury, MA. Defibrillators are an essential part of performing CPR – they will break a deadly irregular heart rhythm and allow a regular heartbeat to start back up.

CPR compressions move blood and breath when the heart and breathing have stopped, but it is usually the defibrillator that brings the rhythm back.

Things you may not have known about AED’s:

1. You can’t hurt the victim with an AED.

They are like an EKG machine… they measure whatever heartbeat is there and only goes off if it finds one it wants to shock! And they won’t make a wrong decision.

2. You don’t need any special degree, training, or certification to grab an AED in an emergency.

Anybody can grab it off the wall, open it up, turn it on, and follow the directions. And the sooner the better – no need to wait for EMT’s.

3. They all have pictures and they talk to you.

They are designed to be user friendly, so that anybody can figure it out in an emergency. It shows you where to put the pads, and it tells you when to stand back and when to push the button if it wants you to. Even someone without cpr training could use it successfully.

4. They talk you through the CPR compressions as well!

… 30 compressions, 2 breaths, 30 compressions, 2 breaths…literally, it will count aloud for you, tell you when to stand back, tell you when to push the button and when to re-start your compressions – Easy-Peasy!!

— Keep Stayin’ Alive
David

Is It A Heart Attack?

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:29:32 GMT

Are these symptoms a Heart Attack?
Is it an Elephant or a Mouse?

I have had 2 cardiac emergencies—the symptoms I had were very different for each, and I want to share that with you.

My first cardiac event, age 42, was the classic elephant sitting on the chest … an intense pressure that took my breath away, left sided with an ache in the shoulder, it came and went for 10-15 minutes and resolved … but came back hours later and could not be ignored or explained away. This turned out to be a blockage of my main cardiac vessel— the LAD— that commonly leads to the “widow maker heart attack— I was lucky to have survived this.

My second event 14 years later was much different. It was mild, like a mouse with little feet walking on my left chest … 0.5 to 1 out of 10 sensation…definitely not a pain. Felt like carbonation, little bubbles under the skin , that came and went…. could have easily been ignored. Assessing and negotiating with myself throughout the day, because it was persistent and left sided, I decided to get it checked out. I now had 3 blocked blood vessels and would need heart surgery! Quite the surprise!

The American Heart Association (1) describes the most common heart attack symptoms as:

Chest discomfort.
Most people having a heart attack feel discomfort in the center of the chest. It can last more than a few minutes, or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.
Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in the:
Arms (one or both)
Back
Neck
Jaw
Stomach
Shortness of breath.
This can happen with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs.
Breaking out in a cold sweat
Nausea
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Feeling unusually tired
Feeling lightheaded

The New York Times (2) through discussions with heart doctors notes, “They aren’t all sudden or intense.” The symptoms can be mild rather than severe— mouse vs elephant!

The sooner you consider the possibility that it could be your heart, the sooner you can get it checked out – and the sooner you get it checked out, the sooner you can get treated if needed. And if it’s not your heart – all the better, you now have peace of mind!

So, friends, my advice: Don’t let the symptoms fool you! Know your body, know your ailments and symptom patterns, and always think of caring for your heart.

— Keep Stayin’ Alive
David

Sources

1. American Heart Association. Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack

2. The New York Times. Common Signs of a Heart Attack. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/well/common-signs-heart-attack.html

Heartfelt Advice for Surviving — and Thriving

Mon, 25 May 2026 17:02:54 GMT

From Cardiac Recovery to Community Empowerment

My name is David with Inspire CPR in Amesbury, Massachusetts. I am a two-time cardiac emergency survivor who has undergone both coronary stent placement and double bypass (CABG) surgery. I also spent over 20 years as a Family Physician before experiencing burnout in 2012, which ultimately led me to a new path as a yoga teacher and CPR instructor.

Teaching CPR has become deeply personal for me. I am passionate about motivating healthcare providers through their CPR updates while emphasizing the importance of self-care as we navigate the demands of our professional and personal lives. I also love educating and empowering our communities to be prepared to save a life during an emergency — while still learning how to fully enjoy life themselves.

At Inspire CPR, our goal is simple:

“The Best CPR Classes Ever” — practical, memorable, and fun!

During my years practicing medicine, I primarily provided mobile geriatric care through house calls and nursing home visits. While I truly loved caring for patients, balancing my professional responsibilities with family life eventually became overwhelming. The truth is — I had no real self-care routine. Physically and emotionally exhausted, I could no longer sustain the demands of my medical career.

Mindfulness, yoga, meditation, healthy nutrition, and exercise became the foundation of my healing journey. As I recovered from my bypass surgery and reflected on both the challenges I had faced and the gratitude I now feel, I became inspired to use my voice to advocate for cardiac prevention, emotional wellness, and meaningful self-care.

Today, I feel I am no longer simply surviving — I am truly thriving!

Through this blog, I look forward to sharing stories, reflections, research, and practical wellness tools that support heart health and overall well-being. My hope is to highlight cardiac research and healing modalities that can help us not only stay alive — but live fuller, healthier, and more joyful lives.

I hope you’ll join me on this journey.

— Keep Stayin’ Alive
David

You can learn CPR!

Mon, 11 May 2026 16:12:38 GMT

Fun, safe, and informative.

Many people assume CPR training is serious, stressful, or even intimidating. While the skills are critical, the learning environment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, the most effective CPR training often happens in a setting that is engaging, supportive—and yes, even a little fun.

1. Learning Without Fear Improves Confidence

When students feel comfortable, they’re more likely to ask questions, practice freely, and actually retain what they learn.

2. Hands-On Practice Makes Skills Stick

CPR isn’t just something you memorize—it’s something you do. Interactive, hands-on training helps build muscle memory so you’re ready to act in real situations.

3. Engaging Techniques Help You Remember

Creative teaching methods—like using rhythm or familiar songs—can make a big difference. Many people remember CPR timing by thinking of the beat to “Stayin’ Alive,” making it easier to respond confidently under pressure.

4. A Supportive Environment Encourages Everyone

Whether you’re a healthcare professional renewing certification or a parent learning for the first time, a welcoming environment makes all the difference.

Conclusion / CTA

At Inspire CPR, we believe learning life-saving skills should be practical, engaging, and confidence-building. When you feel comfortable and supported, you’re far more prepared to act when it matters most.

inspire-cpr

AED’s – Shocking Easy to Use!

Why Anyone Can Use an AED in an Emergency

1. You can’t hurt the victim with an AED.

2. You don’t need any special degree, training, or certification to grab an AED in an emergency.

3. They all have pictures and they talk to you.

4. They talk you through the CPR compressions as well!

Is It A Heart Attack?

Are these symptoms a Heart Attack? Is it an Elephant or a Mouse?

Heartfelt Advice for Surviving — and Thriving

From Cardiac Recovery to Community Empowerment

At Inspire CPR, our goal is simple:

“The Best CPR Classes Ever” — practical, memorable, and fun!

Today, I feel I am no longer simply surviving — I am truly thriving!

You can learn CPR!

Fun, safe, and informative.

1. Learning Without Fear Improves Confidence

2. Hands-On Practice Makes Skills Stick

3. Engaging Techniques Help You Remember

4. A Supportive Environment Encourages Everyone

Conclusion / CTA

Ready to get started? Schedule your class today.

Are these symptoms a Heart Attack?
Is it an Elephant or a Mouse?