Operational Readiness for First
Responders: OUD Program
Harrisburg University has partnered with Zschool to offer learners asynchronous learning opportunities.
Equipping Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, & Associated Teams with Practical Skills to Respond to OUD & Co-occurring 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-occurring Mental Health (MH) or Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Gain real-world strategies to de-escalate crises, apply life-saving interventions, support individuals in crisis, and collaborate with local treatment and recovery resources.
About the Program
This course is designed to prepare first responders to confidently navigate the challenges of the opioid crisis and related behavioral health 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 in the Operational Readiness for First Responders: OUD Program Today!
4 Modules Online ($450 per Person)
- Start today – conveniently self-paced learning!
- Includes your Course Workbook & all course materials.
- Enjoy hands-on projects & interactive discussions.
- Earn your Certificate of Completion in just 4 hours!
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.
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 module 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.
Program Instructors & Content Experts
The esteemed faculty serving as content advisors and instructors for the course are recognized experts in their fields. Whether their contributions come through teaching, creating innovative materials, mentoring students, or advising on course content, they bring a unique blend of vision, inspiration, and practical skills. Together, they challenge your thinking, enhance your performance, and help you excel in your role.
William “Bil” Rosen
EMS Manager
Neptune Township EMS
Bil Rosen oversees all clinical and operational aspects of EMS planning, response, and treatment. With a focus on policy creation, quality assurance, and performance improvement, he leads a team of approximately 30 employees while supporting over 70 volunteers. As the Medical Module Leader for the Special Operations Team and Tactical Medic with the Southern Monmouth County Active Shooter Partnership, Bil provides rescue task force
leadership and support for critical incidents. His responsibilities include budgeting, employee management, and fostering collaborations with community and governmental agencies to enhance EMS integration and preparedness.
With more than 40 years of experience, Bil has made significant contributions to emergency response and education. Previously, he served as a Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic and EMS educator, and currently as Deputy EMS Coordinator for the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office/Office of Emergency Management, where he oversees incident management and emergency preparedness. As a member and Training Module Manager of the New Jersey EMS Task Force (NJEMSTF), Bil specializes in mass care and warm-zone medical care. His dedication to advancing EMS training and operational readiness reflects his commitment to supporting first responders and ensuring community safety.
Dr. Jason Demas
Division Chief of Training
Aurora Fire Department
Dr. Jason Demas is the Division Chief of Training for the Aurora Fire Department in Illinois, bringing over 30 years of fire service experience. He has risen through the ranks from Firefighter/Paramedic to Battalion Chief and Shift Commander, now leading training initiatives that enhance emergency response and operational readiness. A dedicated educator, he has instructed at institutions such as Southern Illinois University, the Romeoville Fire Academy, and the Illinois Fire Service Institute. His expertise in curriculum development and emergency management has made him a sought-after speaker at national fire service conferences.
Dr. Demas holds a Doctorate in Higher Education and Administration, along with Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University. A certified Executive Fire Officer and Chief Fire Officer, he has commanded major incidents, including the 2019 Pratt active shooter response and deployment to Ground Zero after 9/11. Recognized for his leadership and commitment to firefighter wellness, he has implemented fitness and stress management programs to support first responders. A passionate advocate for health and resilience, he continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of fire service professionals.
Dawn N. Peake, M.S.
Co-Founder, Training Consultant
Innovative Training Solutions LLC
Dawn N. Peake is an accomplished educator and training consultant with over 15 years of experience in instructional leadership. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Technology and Leadership from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson University. As Co-Founder and Training Consultant at Innovative Training Solutions LLC, Dawn develops comprehensive lesson plans and e-learning modules for non-profit organizations and law enforcement agencies, with a focus on supporting individuals with disabilities in the criminal justice system.
In addition to her consulting work, Dawn serves as a Training Officer and Curriculum Specialist with the Baltimore City Police Department, where she writes and revises lesson plans for both entry-level and continuing education programs. She plays a key role in managing special training projects, including Crisis Intervention Training, and collaborates with community stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of the curricula. Dawn’s passion for
inclusive practices and her dedication to educational innovation make her a leader in her field.
Edward G. Hargis
Owner & President
Code 5 Solutions, LLC
Edward G. Hargis is a highly experienced law enforcement and crisis management professional with a distinguished career in policing, emergency operations, and security consulting. As the President of Code 5 Solutions, LLC, he specializes in security, threat assessment, and crisis management consulting and training. Previously, he served as Chief of Police in Frederick, MD, Portsmouth, VA, and Camden NJ, where he led major public safety initiatives, implemented crime reduction strategies, and enhanced community-police relations. His leadership was instrumental in launching body-worn camera programs, strategic policing initiatives, and developing critical incident response capabilities.
With 38 years of experience, Hargis has held leadership roles in police operations, critical incident management, and SWAT. He has coordinated security for major events, managed emergency response efforts, and worked closely with federal, state, county and military agencies on counterterrorism and public safety operations. He has served as a Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, volunteer firefighter and Combat Medic with the Army National Guard. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he holds a master’s in administrative science and a bachelor’s in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. His expertise in crisis response, incident command, and security operations continues to shape best practices in both the public and private sectors.
Contact Us
Learn How Your Training Can Be 100% Fully Funded!
Take the next step today! Schedule a call with our program manager to explore how an exclusive training portal can be set up to benefit your entire department. Equip your team with the means to respond to the opioid crisis safely and effectively, while supporting individuals in crisis. Let’s work together to ensure your officers are fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
Lauren Mastroianni
Program Manager
Email: lmastroianni@zschool.com
Phone: 908.370.5299
For all program questions and information, please contact a program manager, who is best suited to answer your questions.
If you have a question specific to Harrisburg University, please contact Professional Education at Harrisburg University.
