Changing Perceptions of Risk Reduction Among First Responders: Outcomes of a Training Program in Louisiana

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Emergency Medical Services
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Existing opioid overdose reversal (OOR) training often focuses on naloxone knowledge and response skills.
• Broader risk reduction and stigma-related content are less frequently evaluated, especially with tailored instruments for first responders.
• The ULM HERO program developed a comprehensive risk reduction curriculum and the Risk Reduction Attitude Scale (RRAS) for Louisiana first responders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of the ULM HERO program on first responders' risk reduction attitudes.
• To evaluate changes using the newly developed Risk Reduction Attitude Scale (RRAS).

Main Methods:

• A single-group pre-post design was employed for a 2-hour in-person training.
• Participants (n=861) completed pre- and post-training surveys, including the 22-item RRAS.
• Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, effect sizes, and adjusted regression models.

Main Results:

• Overall RRAS scores significantly improved post-training (mean increase 3.73 points, p < .001).
• All occupation-parish subgroups showed significant attitude gains.
• Differential impacts were noted, with the largest improvements among non-law enforcement in Ouachita Parish.

Conclusions:

• The risk reduction training meaningfully improved first responder attitudes statewide.
• Positive changes were observed across urban and non-urban parishes, including conservative regions.
• Findings support the scalability of this risk reduction training as an effective statewide strategy.