Background

The world of violence and conflict has greatly changed in the last decades, challenging not only governments, but also humanitarian organizations. Aid workers now find themselves in close proximity to the violence due to the shrinking of humanitarian space, consequently facing greater challenges and risks. These risks have grown exponentially with the loss of perception of the neutrality of humanitarian organizations that we currently see happening across the globe.

Therefore, the purpose of Hostile Environmental Awareness Training or HEAT is to create awareness of how to respond to scenarios you are likely to encounter while working in a hostile or hazardous environment. HEAT has a large 2-day “field component,” where participants have the opportunity to practice live what was taught during the theoretical part of the training. 

Each course is interactive and requires a participatory approach. We combine theory with group work, audio-visual methods, exercises, and simulations. This happens over a one -day theoretical training followed by two full days of practical training. 

Course Modules:
First Aid (Stop the Bleeding) – Contextual and Cultural Awareness – Conflict and Terrorism – Civil Unrest – International Humanitarian Law and the humanitarian principles – Residence Safety: Burglary, Fire, Armed Attack – Driving & Transport Safety: Driving in Hazardous Environments, Checkpoints, Ambush, Road Travel Planning, Movement Procedures – Dealing with Armed State and Non-State Actors – Travel & Personal Planning – Abduction & Coping with Capture – Communication and Negotiation – Communication Skills – Mines & Explosives (UXO) – Sexual Assault – Stress Management

After HEAT, the participants will have:
Significantly improved safety and security awareness – Awareness of how to deal with being in captivity – Basic knowledge of using various sorts of communication and navigation tools – Increased awareness of driving safety and how to drive safely – Increased awareness of dealing with armed actors – Increased awareness of how to cope when under fire – How to avoid and how to manage if confronted with mines, UXOs, and improvised explosive devices – Basic knowledge of essential first aid.**

Additional Information:
**Please be aware that we do not offer full first aid certification as part of our training. Our medical session focuses on the essential life-saving skills relevant to situations you may experience in the field.