CPR VAM • AUTHOR • JEFF HAUGHY

LT. Jeff Haughy

• Lieutenant, Oakland Fire Department • Founder of CPR VAM & Heart Start CPR

Jeff Haughy is a highly experienced firefighter, paramedic, and CPR educator with more than 30 years of service in fire and emergency medical response. As a Lieutenant with the Oakland Fire Department and the founder of Heart Start CPR and CPR VAM, he combines frontline expertise with a strong commitment to teaching lifesaving skills.

Years In Service

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Students Trained / Year

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Joined Oakland Fd.

About the Author

Meet Lt. Jeff Haughy

Jeff Haughy is a veteran firefighter, paramedic, and CPR educator with over 30 years of experience in emergency medical services and fire response. He began his career in 1991 as a Fire Explorer with the Alameda Fire Department and went on to serve with the Columbia Fire Protection District, Tuolumne County Fire Department, and Tuolumne County Search & Rescue Team.

In 2002, Jeff joined the Oakland Fire Department, where he currently serves as a lieutenant. Throughout his career, he has taken on leadership roles, including Executive Board Member of Oakland Firefighters Local 55, Media Director, and Vice Chair of Firefighters First Credit Union.

Jeff is the founder of Heart Start CPR and CPR VAM, powered by Heart Start CPR, established in January 2003, where he initiated CPR and First Aid training programs in January 2003. He later expanded training to include BLS, ACLS, and PALS in December 2007, and now trains over 25,000 students annually in life-saving skills such as CPR, BLS, ACLS, PALS, and First Aid. His mission is to make life-saving education accessible to everyone, from healthcare professionals to the general public.

Academic & Professional Training

Educations And Certification

Columbia College – A.S. Fire Technology

Completed foundational studies in fire service, emergency response, and public safety, developing essential knowledge and practical skills required for a successful career in firefighting and EMS operations.

Paramedic School (NCTI / Bay Area) – Town of Hillsborough Fire Department

Achieved paramedic certification while working full-time as a firefighter, gaining advanced emergency medical expertise, hands-on experience, and the ability to respond effectively to diverse prehospital medical emergencies.

Oakland Fire Department

Joined in January 2002, actively contributing to fire suppression, rescue, and EMS operations, while pursuing professional development in leadership, emergency response techniques, and promoting community safety initiatives.

Columbia College – A.S. Business Administration

Completed business administration studies to strengthen management, organizational, and leadership skills, complementing operational experience in fire service, EMS, and enhancing decision-making in high-pressure emergency situations.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Completed advanced studies in management, leadership, and organizational development, demonstrating dedication to lifelong learning and enhanced skills for professional growth and strategic public service leadership.

Professional Certifications

Holds multiple State Fire Training certifications, including Hazardous Materials Specialist, Water Rescue Technician, and Fire Officer, demonstrating expertise in specialized emergency response, rescue operations, and fire service leadership.