Paramedics transporting an injured person in cardiac arrest on a stretcher during the Boston Marathon
A pirate skull with a red beard, eye patch, and pirate hat with a red cross. The background features Boston Harbor with a lighthouse and city skyline. The image includes crossed axes and the text 'Salty Pirate CPR' and 'Saving Lives Near & Far!'.

Experience - Confidence - Compassion.

Founded and taught by a Firefighter/Paramedic and Nurse team with over 35 years of real-world emergency experience — bringing calm, confident instruction from the field to the classroom.

Mission Statement:

Part of Something Bigger

Four men, one in a fire department uniform, participate in a CPR training session using a mannequin. They are in a room with three windows, and a drink with a straw is on the windowsill.

At Salty Pirate CPR, our mission is simple: prepare people to respond with confidence, not panic no matter their background or history.
Founded by Firefighter/Paramedic David Gibbons and Nurse Tina Gibbons, we combine decades of front-line Fire, EMS, and Nursing experience with a supportive, hands-on approach.
Because saving a life isn’t just a certification — it’s an act of courage, compassion, and community.

About
our company

Salty Pirate CPR was started in 2015 by David Gibbons and his wife, Tina. Dave has trained and worked with local Police, EMS & Fire Departments, Schools, USCG, ATF, FBI, State Police At Salty Pirate CPR, we’re more than instructors; we’re clinicians, first responders, caregivers, and community members who’ve lived these moments firsthand.

We almost named our business Second Chances because we understand how crucial it is to get a true second chance—whether it’s surviving cardiac arrest or recovering from addiction. With over 35 years of combined experience as a Firefighter/Paramedic and a Nurse, we have seen firsthand that everyone deserves another opportunity. Together, we have answered thousands of calls and witnessed the profound impact of someone stepping up instead of freezing—the essence of a second chance.

Our mission is to share that calm, confident mindset with every student. No matter if you’re a parent, coach, babysitter, lifeguard, healthcare professional, or first responder, we’ll teach you skills and courage to save lives when seconds matter. Don’t wait. Take action now. Enroll today and empower yourself to be the difference in a life-or-death moment.

Learn more
Three people standing outdoors at a military or patriotic event, with a crowd and American flags in the background. One person is dressed in a formal military uniform, and a woman and a boy are standing beside him, smiling.
Man wearing sunglasses, a blue cap, and a red fire jacket with an American flag patch and national registry of EMTS Paramedic patch, taking a selfie inside a golf cart while covering an EMS Detail at a High School

About Our Staff:

David E. Gibbons — Owner, Firefighter, Paramedic, Instructor

Dave attended Hull High School before earning a degree in Fire Science. Dave has spent more than 20 years in public safety, from the streets of Boston EMS to the shores of the Hull Fire Department. As a Massachusetts OEMS Instructor Coordinator, Paramedic Instructor, Active Shooter Instructor, and American Heart Association Instructor, his teaching blends tactical skill with calm leadership. His goal is straightforward: to empower every student to feel capable and ready when their life depends on it.

Tina Gibbons, Owner, Nurse, Instructor

Tina graduated from Boston Latin Academy before beginning her nursing studies at Quincy College. She has over 15 years of nursing experience with Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Norwell VNA. Before that, Tina worked as an EMT in Boston’s private sector. Her patient-centered approach and calm presence help new learners feel at ease while raising the bar for clinical accuracy.

Zack Caulfield, Instructor, Firefighter, Paramedic, ALS Supervisor:

Zack is a Hull High School graduate who followed his dreams into EMT and Paramedic school to become a Hull firefighter. He has spent over 5 years working on the front lines of public safety. He serves as a Firefighter/Paramedic in Hull and as an EMS Supervisor in Quincy, helping critical patients. Zack’s ability to connect with students and share real-world training builds their confidence when seconds count.  

Michael DaSilva, Instructor, Firefighter, EMT, RN Supervisor:

Mike is a graduate of BC High and attended Northeastern University for his undergrad. After graduation, he attended Quincy College for his Registered Nursing Degree. Mike works as a nursing Supervisor at Suffolk County House of Corrections, as well as a full-time firefighter/EMT for the Hull Fire Department. Mike's ability to relate to students from various professions instantly makes them feel at ease.

Aiden Gibbons, Instructor Assistant, Student BC High (30):  

Aiden has watched his parents build their business since he was four years old. He is enthusiastic about helping other students learn lifesaving skills. When not in school, Aiden plays athletics and promotes a safe atmosphere for his peers. He is committed to being a man for others and often volunteers for local non-profits.

Together, our Staff brings confidence, compassion, and real-world lessons to every class..

A smiling woman and a man dressed in formal tuxedo with sunglasses taking a selfie outdoors. This is a firefighter paramedic and a nurse off duty.
Two men in suits smiling for a selfie at a conference after a CPR save, wearing name tags and lanyards.
A man wearing sunglasses and two young girls are smiling on a Ferris wheel with open air and a scenic landscape of trees and sky in the background.

Confidence Through Experience

We’ve been there - on the calls, in the chaos, and in the moments that matter most.

That’s why every class focuses on calm under pressure, clear communication, and hands-on repetition.

You’ll leave not just certified but confident — knowing you can step forward when someone needs you.

A woman and a teenage boy standing in front of a school backdrop with balloons on each side. The woman is wearing a maroon BC High hoodie, and the boy is dressed in a gray sweatshirt, black shorts, and a gray cap. They are smiling and posing for a photo at BC High school celebration.
Two men in uniform, one taking a selfie, holding a folded American flag draped over a staff. Both are wearing hat with emblem, sunglasses, and badges. Background shows a small building, parking lot with cars, and a yellow sign.
Salty Pirate CPR Boston Harbor logo featuring a pirate with skull face, eye patch, red beard, pirate hat with red cross, crossed axes, and a background of Boston skyline and lighthouse, with the slogan 'Saving Lives Near & Far!'.

Stop the Bleed Training

The Department of Defense (DoD) STOP THE BLEED program is for the general public including students, employees, and law enforcement.

Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE)

Designed to provide civilians with strategies and guidance to survive an active shooter situation.

A group of firefighters, some with reflective gear and helmets, working together in a dark environment, possibly during a training or emergency response, with a wooden wall in the background.

BLS for Healthcare Providers

For EMTs, Paramedics, Firefighters, Nurses, Dental, and Hospital staff

Pediatric Advanced Life Support

Advanced resuscitation for clinical professionals like Paramedics, Doctors, PA’s, Nurses, and others in Emergency Medicine

Heartsaver® First Aid + CPR/AED

For Police Officers, Lifeguards, babysitters, boat captains, restaurants, and youth athletics. Adds bleeding control, medical & trauma emergencies

Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Advanced resuscitation for clinical professionals like Paramedics, Doctors, PA’s, Nurses, and others in Emergency Medicine

A person performing CPR on a training dummy in an indoor sports facility, with other training equipment and people in the background.

Services We Offer

  • Symbolic image with a large red heart with heartbeat line, two smaller red hearts with CPR and AED symbols, and text 'Heartsaver'.

    Heartsaver Courses

    The American Heart Association’s Heartsaver® portfolio delivers first aid, CPR, AED, and safety training for anyone at work, school, or home. Whether for job or regulatory requirements, or simply to be prepared. Prices range from $125-$175

  • Logo for Basic Life Support Provider training, includes American Heart Association logo and mentions authorized training center.

    BLS Provider

    The American Heart Association’s BLS course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate breaths and ventilations, and provide early use of an AED. Cost $125

  • Red stop sign with a white hand symbol and the words "STOP THE BLEED" beneath it.

    Stop the Bleed

    Stop the Bleed is a grassroots national awareness campaign and call-to-action. Stop the Bleed encourages bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. Cost $50

  • Logo of the National Lifesavers American Heart Association featuring a white outline of a hand with four fingers raised on a red circle background, encircled by the organization name in red text.

    ACLS & PALS

    ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) is for adults, focusing on the advanced treatment of cardiovascular emergencies like cardiac arrest. PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) is for children, training healthcare providers to handle life-threatening pediatric emergencies such as respiratory distress, shock, and cardiac arrest. Both courses involve managing emergencies as part of a high-performance team. Cost $400