By Police1 Staff
ROCKVILLE, Md. — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has announced the availability of a new training course to support first responders amidst the ongoing opioid crisis, providing them with essential coping strategies and resources.
This free, one-hour online course – First Response: Working on the Front Lines of the Opioid Crisis Training Course – was developed in response to the impact of the opioid crisis on first responders across the country. It addresses the mental and physical stressors faced by public safety personnel when responding to opioid overdose calls. This course also provides evidence-based coping strategies, resources and exercises to help mitigate the impacts of these stressful events.
The course aims to equip first responders with a comprehensive understanding of the opioid crisis and its impact on their work. It also explores mental health and substance use disorders that are prevalent among first responders. Coursetakers will learn how to spot early signs of these disorders in themselves and their colleagues. They will also be taught how to reduce the stigma associated with opioid use and misuse.
The course also provides first responders with stress management techniques and healthy coping strategies. It encourages sharing of evidence-based practices and resources for self-care and positive responses to work stress.
Guests can complete the course in one session to receive a certificate of completion, without the need for registration. However, for those seeking to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from CAPCE, registration is required.
To register and receive an account, contact the SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) at dtac@iqsolutions.com or 800/308–3515. You will need to provide your name, address, email address, and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) or professional license number, expiration date, and state in which your license is valid.