Operational Readiness for First Responders: OUD

Equipping Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, & Associated Teams with Practical Skills to Respond to OUD & Co-occuring Conditions

As a first responder, you’re on the front lines of the opioid crisis – often arriving at the scene before anyone else. This four-hour, online, self-paced course is designed specifically for firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and crisis intervention teams to provide the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively, safely, and compassionately to individuals experiencing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and co-occuring Mental Health (MH) or Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Gain real-world strategies to de-escalate crises, apply life-saving interventions, support individuals in crises, and collaborate with local treatment and recovery resources.

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In partnership with Zschool

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About the Program – Enroll Today! – Contact Us – Curriculum

About the Program

First responder smiling in ambulance

This course is designed to prepare first responders to confidently navigate the challenges of the opioid crisis and related behavioral emergencies. With opioid-related incidents on the rise, responders must be equipped with trauma-informed strategies to provide care under pressure. Across four comprehensive modules, you’ll explore OUD basics, the intersection of mental health and substance use, the use of Naloxone, legal considerations, de-escalation tactics, and best practices for community collaboration. With a focus on safety, compassion, and resource engagement, this course will empower you to support individuals with OUD and save lives, all while building trust within your community.

Enroll Today!

4 Modules Online ($450 per Person)

Start today - conveniently self-paced learning!

Includes your Course Workbook and all course materials.

Enjoy hands-on projects & interactive discussions.

Earn your Certificate of Completion in just 4 hours!

Contact Us

Take the next step today! Schedule a call with a program manager to give your team the advantage of compassion-based response, resource coordination, and

operational readiness.

Dr. Sarit Levy

Chief Learning Officer
Email: sarit.levy@zschool.com

Phone: 888-845-4131

Program Curriculum

Each module introduces key concepts such as the CARE approach – Calm the Situation, Assess for Danger, Respond with Empathy, and Engage Resources – a practical model that first responders can use during high-stress situations. The course provides step-by-step guidance for managing opioid-related calls, including medical response, communication techniques, and referral strategies. Realistic case studies, field-tested practices, and downloadable tools ensure skills can be quickly applied on the job.

Included is the Operational Readiness for First Responders: OUD Power-Pack, which features the course workbook, scenario-based exercises, eBooks, posters, resource guides, and templates – offering essential tools you can use long after the course is complete.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

Recognize signs of OUD and its common co-occurring conditions.
Understand how mental health disorders impact crisis response and recovery.
Respond effectively to Opioid Overdose Emergencies using Naloxone.
Apply trauma-informed communication and de-escalation techniques in the field.
Identify your legal responsibilities, including navigating the rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Collaborate with local and national resources to provide treatment and recovery.
Develop an action plan for safe, compassionate crisis response.

Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD Power-Pack banner

Module 1 - Understanding OUD & Co-occurring Conditions

Build foundational knowledge about OUD, its causes, and its impact. Explore the role of co-occurring conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and how they affect your response in the field. Learn to recognize the behavioral and physical signs of distress and addiction.

Module 2 - Recognizing & Responding to OUD

Dive into real-world de-escalation techniques, communication strategies, and how to respond to overdose emergencies. This modules emphasizes safety, non-verbal cues, and verbal techniques to calm and support individuals in crisis.

Module 3 - Best Practices for Field Collaboration

Explore how to work with local partners, including behavioral health teams, emergency departments, and treatment centers. You'll learn how to navigate referrals, build resource networks, and apply harm reduction principles during response.

Module 4 - Real-World Application & Resource Utilization

Apply your knowledge in scenario-based simulations that mirror field calls. Practice using the CARE approach and your crisis intervention toolkit to create an action plan that ensures safety, connection to care, and long-term support for individuals in crisis.

Get Your Team Started Today!

Prepare your crew to face one of the most pressing challenges in public safety. With this training, your firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and CIT team members will have the confidence, tools, and knowledge to de-escalate crises, support recovery, and protect both individuals and communities. Give your team the advantage of compassion-based response, resource coordination, and operational readiness.