Executive Education
Operational Readiness for First Responders: Opioid Use Disorder and Co-occurring Conditions
About the Program
This course is designed to prepare first responders to effectively handle crises involving OUD and related mental health conditions. With the opioid epidemic posing significant challenges for public safety, first responders need the tools to respond with empathy, safety, and precision. Through four comprehensive modules, this course covers the complexities of OUD, including the use of Naloxone, the impact of co-occurring mental health disorders, legal considerations, and best practices for de-escalation. The goal is to equip officers with practical strategies to manage these crises safely, while building trust with individuals in need.
Ultimately, this course is aimed at improving first responder-community relations by fostering trust and reducing the stigma around addiction. By focusing on harm reduction and non-punitive approaches, first responders will be better positioned to support individuals with OUD, reduce the risk of escalation, and strengthen community ties through compassionate, effective interventions.
Program Curriculum
Each module introduces key concepts such as the CARE approach - Calm the Situation, Assess for Danger, Respond with Empathy, and Engage Resources - which serves as a practical framework officers can apply in the field. First Responders will learn how to assess and manage high-risk situations, utilize verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, and connect individuals to appropriate care services. In addition, the course provides real-world case studies and scenario-based exercises that reinforce these skills and strategies in action.
Included with the course is the Operational Readiness for First Responders: OUD Power-Pack. This toolkit includes the program workbook with lesson guides and discussion topics, e-books, templates, reference posters, and referral network guide. These resources ensure first responders have easy access to important information and can build on their skills beyond the course itself. They also serve as quick references during real-world situations where immediate action is necessary.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Recognize the behavioral and physical signs of OUD and detail its impact on individuals and communities.
Describe the role of co-occurring mental health conditions in complicating OUD treatment and response efforts.
Respond to an Opioid Overdose Emergency and the proper use of Naloxone.
Apply verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to safely manage crises involving individuals with OUD.
Navigate the legal considerations involved in responding to OUD, including explaining the rights of individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Utilize community resources and mental health services to provide ongoing support and care for individuals affected by OUD.
Document crisis interventions effectively to reduce liability and protect both law enforcement and individuals in crisis.
External Partnership
In an effort to broaden our course offerings, Syracuse University has partnered with leaders in their respective fields to provide learning opportunities for our students. This course is brought to you through our partnership with Z School. Once you have completed the checkout process, you should expect to be contacted by a Z School representative within 1-3 business days with information on how to access your course material and getting started. They will be your main point of contact while you are going through the coursework. Feel free to reach out to Syracuse University if you have any questions at microcredential@syr.edu or 315.443.2588.
- Crisis Intervention
- De-escalation Techniques
- Naloxone Administration
Operational Readiness for Police Officers: Opioid Use Disorder and Co-occuring Conditions
About the Program
This course is designed to prepare law enforcement officers to effectively handle crises involving OUD and related mental health conditions. With the opioid epidemic posing significant challenges for public safety, officers need the tools to respond with empathy, safety, and precision. Through four comprehensive modules, this course covers the complexities of OUD, including the use of Naloxone, the impact of co-occurring mental health disorders, legal considerations, and best practices for de-escalation. The goal is to equip officers with practical strategies to manage these crises safely, while building trust with individuals in need.
Ultimately, this course is aimed at improving officer-community relations by fostering trust and reducing the stigma around addiction. By focusing on harm reduction and non-punitive approaches, officers will be better positioned to support individuals with OUD, reduce the risk of escalation, and strengthen community ties through compassionate, effective interventions.
Program Curriculum
Each module introduces key concepts such as the CARE approach - Calm the Situation, Assess for Danger, Respond with Empathy, and Engage Resources - which serves as a practical framework officers can apply in the field. Officers will learn how to assess and manage high-risk situations, utilize verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, and connect individuals to appropriate care services. In addition, the course provides real-world case studies and scenario-based exercises that reinforce these skills and strategies in action.
Included with the course is the Operational Readiness for Police Officers: OUD Power-Pack. This toolkit includes the program workbook with lesson guides and discussion topics, e-books, templates, reference posters, and referral network guide. These resources ensure officers have easy access to important information and can build on their skills beyond the course itself. They also serve as quick references during real-world situations where immediate action is necessary.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Recognize the behavioral and physical signs of OUD and detail its impact on individuals and communities.
Describe the role of co-occurring mental health conditions in complicating OUD treatment and response efforts.
Respond to an Opioid Overdose Emergency and the proper use of Naloxone.
Apply verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to safely manage crises involving individuals with OUD.
Navigate the legal considerations involved in responding to OUD, including explaining the rights of individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Utilize community resources and mental health services to provide ongoing support and care for individuals affected by OUD.
Document crisis interventions effectively to reduce liability and protect both law enforcement and individuals in crisis.
External Partnership
In an effort to broaden our course offerings, Syracuse University has partnered with leaders in their respective fields to provide learning opportunities for our students. This course is brought to you through our partnership with Z School. Once you have completed the checkout process, you should expect to be contacted by a Z School representative within 1-3 business days with information on how to access your course material and getting started. They will be your main point of contact while you are going through the coursework. Feel free to reach out to Syracuse University if you have any questions at microcredential@syr.edu or 315.443.2588.
- Crisis Management
- De-escalation Techniques
- Naloxone Administration