The challenge facing many emergency medical services (EMS) is the implementation of a comprehensive educational strategy to address emergency responses to terrorism. One such service, Johnson County (Kansas) Medical Action, needed a strategy that would keep paramedics safe and offer the community an effective approach to mitigation. A comprehensive, cost-effective model for educating paramedics in emergency response to terrorism was created. The model is easy to implement and requires no special funding or additional staff. Paramedics implement the model by using a self-study module that builds upon previous learning and covers safety, fundamental concepts, departmental policies, a flow chart for first response, mass decontamination procedures, and a drug formulary for chemical and biological exposures. Implementation of this model should significantly enhance the actions of the first responders. Paramedics who have the knowledge to make wise decisions in the first minutes of a terrorism incident may significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. (Contains 38 references.) (Author/KC)