Awareness & Readiness Training

STATEWIDE OPIOID AWARENESS & READINESS TRAINING FOR FIRE & EMS PERSONNEL

In Partnership with University of California, Santa Barbara & Zschool

California’s fire and emergency medical service professionals are confronting a rapidly escalating public health crisis. With the sharp rise in opioid-related emergencies, fentanyl exposures, and behavioral health calls, there is an urgent need for consistent, statewide training to strengthen readiness, resilience, and responder safety.

To meet this need, the California First Responder Fire Association, in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Zschool, is offering the Opioid Awareness & Readiness Training Program—a university-backed, grant-funded professional development course for firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical responders across California at NO OUTLAY COSTS to the department.

The time is NOW, and we are seeking for our First Responders to lead the charge in California.

Together, we can combat the opioid crisis with prompt authority, coordinated action, and unwavering commitment—protecting our communities and those who serve them.

REQUEST TRAINING FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT

OPIOID READINESS & AWARENESS BROCHURE

Program Components

• Naloxone Administration & Harm Reduction Protocols — safe and effective overdose response
• Officer Safety & Wellness — exposure mitigation, PPE, and high-risk call protocols
• De-Escalation & Crisis Communication — managing volatile incidents and mental-health crises
• Burnout, Fatigue & Mental Health Resilience — recognizing stress and building coping strategies
• Behavioral Health & Community Response — coordinated referrals and post-incident care
  

Aligned with Exhibits B & E of California’s Opioid Settlement Agreement for abatement funding eligibility.

Program Benefits

• Complimentary Enrollment under California’s opioid settlement funds
• 4 Hours Paid Overtime per participant to complete the training
• University-Backed Certificate of Completion issued by University of California, Santa Barbara
• CEUs / Professional Development Credit for career advancement
• Strengthens eligibility for county/state opioid abatement reimbursements
• Establishes consistent statewide standards and improves community outcomes

How to Enroll at No Cost
Departments may register personnel for upcoming statewide cohorts:

• Register Here: Request Training for Your Department Here!
• Referral Contact: Please list Dr. Sarit J. Levy, Chief Learning Officer as your referral contact on the registration form.
• Questions/Support: Sarit.Levy@Zschool.com
  

Partners

• California First Responder Fire Association
• University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
• Zschool
  

Take Action Now
Ensure your department is trained, compliant, and prepared to save lives under California’s opioid abatement strategy.

Protect your team. Strengthen your readiness. Lead the response.