About Heart First Training
About Us
Experience You Can Trust. Training That Saves Lives.
“I’m James Bales, founder of Heart First Training. I’m a CPR instructor with real-world experience — a retired Battalion Chief firefighter and Fire Marshal with over 20 years on the front lines of emergency response in Napa Valley. I’ve responded to hundreds of real-life emergencies…
5 /5
Based on 56 Reviews
Our Approach
Training Built on Experience. Focused on Your Safety
We deliver hands-on, customized training led by a seasoned fire service professional—designed around the real risks your team faces. Our approach ensures your staff receives practical, relevant training they can apply in real-world emergencies.
01
Real Experience
Every class is led by James Bales, a seasoned Battalion Chief firefighter and Fire Marshal with over 20 years of emergency response experience. I share real-life stories and context that reinforce why preparation matters.
02
Custom Preparedness
Each training is tailored to your specific risks — whether you run a winery, warehouse, school, or office. We review real emergencies your team could face and build confidence to act.
03
On-Site Convenience
We bring training directly to your workplace, creating familiarity and real-world readiness. Your team learns to respond in the setting they’ll actually face an emergency.
About Heart First Training
At Heart First Training, we believe that real-world emergencies require real-world training—not cookie-cutter CPR classes. Founded by retired Battalion Chief firefighter and Fire Marshal James Bales, our mission is simple: prepare businesses and teams to act confidently when every second counts.
With over 20 years of hands-on emergency response experience in Napa Valley, I bring something most instructors can’t—true, firsthand insight into how people really react under pressure. As a CPR instructor with real-world experience, I’ve led fire crews, managed major incidents, and trained thousands of professionals on what actually works when emergencies strike.
CPR Instructor with Real-World Experience
When you train with Heart First Training, you’re not just getting a certification—you’re getting trained by a CPR instructor with real-world experience who’s been on the front lines. I’ve responded to house fires, industrial accidents, medical emergencies, and active threats—and I use those stories and lessons to teach your team in a way that sticks.
Every class is taught by me personally, not a third-party contractor. You’ll get practical language, hands-on drills, and true preparation—not just textbook slides. This isn’t “one size fits all” training. It’s tailored, high-impact safety instruction that builds confidence and real readiness.
What Sets Us Apart
We go far beyond traditional CPR and first aid instruction. Our courses are built around the real-world risks your employees may face—whether you’re a winery, construction site, manufacturing plant, school, or office. We cut the fluff and focus on what matters in a crisis: clear decision-making, fast action, and teamwork under pressure.
Our Training Focuses On:
• CPR, AED, and First Aid – We provide nationally recognized certifications that go beyond the basics, taught with real-world urgency and clarity by an experienced responder.
• Emergency Preparedness – From earthquake readiness to fire extinguisher use and active threat planning, we equip your team to respond quickly and confidently. Our lessons follow trusted standards and align with nationally recognized resources like Ready.gov, FEMA’s official guide to public preparedness.
• Industry-Specific Hazards – We tailor training to your work environment, including Lockout/Tagout procedures, working at heights, confined space awareness, and chemical exposure safety.
• Mini-Lessons That Matter – Add-on modules focus on critical topics like wildfire response, evacuation planning, and bleeding control using tourniquets and quick clot—designed to fit your schedule and your risks.
Who We Serve
We specialize in helping small to mid-size businesses across Napa County, Solano County, Yolo County, and the greater Sacramento and Bay Area. Whether you run a winery, office, school, or manufacturing site, we’ll come to you—early morning, evening, weekday, or weekend. Flexible, on-location training led by a CPR instructor with real-world experience.
Our Clients Say It Best
Many companies have switched from outdated CPR classes to our relevant, responsive training—and the results speak for themselves. We’ve earned 5-star reviews for making safety approachable, empowering, and memorable. Our clients tell us their teams leave class ready to act, not just check a box.
If you’re tired of check-the-box training that doesn’t actually prepare your team, you’re in the right place.
Built for Busy Teams
We understand your time is valuable. That’s why our training is:
Efficient – Designed to deliver the most value in the shortest time possible.
Engaging – Realistic drills, scenario-based learning, and a bit of humor and heart to keep everyone involved.
Flexible – On-site or remote, weekday or weekend—we make it easy to train your team.
Let’s Build a Safer Workplace
Emergencies are unpredictable. Preparation is the best defense. When you choose Heart First Training, you’re choosing a CPR instructor with real-world experience who’s committed to your team’s safety. From bleeding control to fire drills, we’ll help your staff learn what to do when it counts most.
Ready to Train With Us?
Let’s make your team ready for anything.
📍 Serving Napa, Solano, Yolo, and surrounding counties
📧 james@heartfirsttraining.com
📞 707-564-6560
Contact Us Now
If you’re looking for CPR, AED, first aid, or emergency preparedness training led by someone who’s actually responded to real emergencies — let’s talk.