Criminal Justice Corrections (Emergency Response and First Aid)

Course Description

CJK0590 — Criminal Justice Corrections (Emergency Response and First Aid) is a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) clock-hour course within Florida's Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Training Program. The course covers emergency response and medical/first aid skills required of correctional officers: medical first response, CPR/AED certification, mental health crisis response, suicide prevention and intervention, hostage and disturbance response, and emergency vehicle operations (where applicable to transport-officer duties).

This course is offered at FDLE-approved Criminal Justice Training Centers across Florida. As with other CJK-prefix courses, it is a component of the full Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Training Program (approximately 420 hours); individual course completion alone does not qualify a graduate for Correctional Officer certification. The curriculum is governed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of CJK0590, students will demonstrate competency in CJSTC-mandated emergency response areas:

• Provide basic medical first response: scene assessment; primary survey (ABCs); recognition of life-threatening conditions; bleeding control (including tourniquet application); shock recognition.
• Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED operation per current American Heart Association or Red Cross standards (CPR for healthcare provider or comparable level).
• Apply opioid overdose response: recognition; naloxone (Narcan) administration per institutional protocol; post-administration monitoring.
• Apply mental health crisis response: recognition of mental health crises in inmates; verbal de-escalation; coordination with mental health staff; suicide intervention; suicide watch protocols.
• Apply hostage and disturbance response: initial response; perimeter establishment; communication; coordination with crisis negotiation team and special response team.
• Apply emergency vehicle operations (for transport-officer assignments): defensive driving; transport security; pursuit considerations (limited circumstances).
• Apply communicable disease awareness: bloodborne pathogens (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030); airborne pathogens (TB, COVID-19); PPE selection; exposure response and reporting.
• Apply incident command system (ICS) introductory: NIMS/ICS-100 awareness; coordination with EMS, fire, and law enforcement during multi-agency response.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Medical First Response: Scene safety; primary survey (ABCs/CABs); bleeding control (direct pressure, pressure dressings, tourniquets); shock recognition and management; environmental emergencies (heat, cold).
• CPR and AED: American Heart Association BLS or Healthcare Provider standards; chest compressions; rescue breathing; AED pad placement and operation; choking response.
• Opioid Overdose Response: Florida's opioid crisis context; recognition of overdose signs; naloxone administration (intranasal, intramuscular); post-administration monitoring; medical follow-up coordination.
• Mental Health Crisis Response: Recognizing mental health symptoms; de-escalation techniques; crisis intervention principles; mental health resources within facilities; coordination with mental health professionals.
• Suicide Prevention: Risk factor recognition; suicide watch protocols; means restriction in correctional settings; intervention and post-intervention support; staff debriefing.
• Hostage and Disturbance Response: Initial response priorities; perimeter establishment; communication discipline; coordination with crisis negotiation; coordination with special response teams.
• Emergency Vehicle Operations: Defensive driving; transport vehicle security; emergency response driving (where applicable); CJSTC standards.
• Communicable Disease: Bloodborne pathogens (HIV, HBV, HCV); airborne pathogens (TB, COVID-19, MRSA); standard precautions; PPE; exposure response and reporting.
• Incident Command: NIMS/ICS-100 awareness; multi-agency coordination; chain of command during emergencies.

Resources & Tools

• American Heart Association BLS or Healthcare Provider course materials
• FDLE/CJSTC Emergency Response Curriculum
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 (Bloodborne Pathogens)
• Florida Department of Corrections medical and mental health protocols
• FEMA NIMS/ICS-100 training
• Practice mannequins; AED trainers; simulated tourniquets and bandages; naloxone trainers

Career Pathways

The first aid, CPR, mental health crisis response, and emergency response training delivered in CJK0590 supports correctional officer roles and provides foundation skills transferable to law enforcement, emergency services, and security careers.

Special Information

FDLE/CJSTC Certification Required

This course is one component of the full Florida Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Training Program. Successful completion of the full program, passage of the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE), background investigation, and CJSTC certification per Section 943.13, Florida Statutes, are required for employment as a Florida Correctional Officer.

Wellness and Support Resources

Correctional officer work involves substantial physical and psychological demands. Florida Department of Corrections and most county sheriff's offices provide employee assistance programs (EAP), peer support teams, and mental health resources for officers. The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation provides additional national resources. Career-long attention to wellness is strongly encouraged.

Mental Health Sensitivity

This course addresses suicide prevention, mental health crises, and trauma response — topics that may be personally affecting for some students. Students experiencing personal mental health concerns should be aware of these resources: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988); SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357); institutional counseling services. Students should not feel obligated to disclose personal experiences during instruction; the focus is on developing professional skills.

Naloxone (Narcan) Training

Florida law (Section 381.887, F.S.) authorizes correctional facilities to maintain and administer naloxone. Most Florida correctional facilities have established naloxone programs given the prevalence of opioids and the risk of overdose during intake from arrest.

CPR/AED Certification

Most institutions ensure students leave CJK0590 with a current CPR and AED certification from American Heart Association or American Red Cross, valid for 2 years per industry standard.

Program Structure (PSAV / Clock-Hour)

CJK0590 clock-hour allocation typically ranges from 40 to 80 clock hours within the broader Basic Recruit Training Program.