First responders encounter many hazards in the execution of their duties, and exposure to hazardous materials such as opioids is a primary safety concern. The ongoing opioid crisis in the United States continues to be a major public health issue, with overdose deaths from opioids reaching epidemic levels. Although responders frequently encounter opioids, available data on safety and risk are not always well-communicated, and we identified a need for refresher and just-in-time training products on this topic. In response, we created a training video series that is informative, concise, and visually appealing. The video series, available on YouTube, was tested with a small initial population, with findings suggesting key questions for a larger study focused on integration of the refresher training with existing programs to optimize retention and adoption of safety practices.
Keywords: first responders; opioids; personal protective equipment; training.