HEFAT brochure

Hostile Environment and First Aid Training (HEFAT) Risk and Security preparation for mission partners, associates and staff serving in or travelling to areas of heightened risk A 3 day residential course Led by Tim Mercer, First Rock International Risk Management, in partnership with Echoes International

HEFAT training considers: So, what is HEFAT all about? • Personal safety - foundation skills Hostile Environment and First Aid Training (HEFAT) is a combination of (behaviour on foot, in vehicles and at two courses: Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) and First Aid a residence/hotel) training. The aim of this combined course is to: • Safety equipment for the traveller, driv- 1. Provide an opportunity to stimulate conscious thought as to the na- er and overseas resident ture of risk involved today in mission service generally and more spe- cifically to an individual’s role and location. • Situation awareness and spotting hostile watchers 2. Identify practices that can be adopted/adapted easily in any over- seas location, either when resident or whilst travelling on short visits. • Self-defense and breakaway tech- niques 3. Provide an opportunity and a safe environment to experience, de- velop and sharpen response skills to a number of practical scenarios • Tactical driving and parking that could be faced overseas in more challenging settings. • Negotiating vehicle checkpoints safely • Dealing with a road traffic collision and While we hope that these skills may never need to be used in any mis- sion service setting, they will help to build a response skill set, provoking extracting a casualty safely thought as to the risks of serving overseas in an environment more hos- • Ballistic awareness and response tile than at ‘home’. • Surviving a grenade or IED attack • Surviving an active shooter, stabber or Preparation is key and the course focusses on prevention and avoid- ance techniques whilst also considering appropriate response mecha- suicide attack. nisms should the need arise and be unavoidable. Trialing skills in a safe • Anti-surveillance skills setting allows for constructive feedback and an opportunity to prac- • Dealing with official detention by tice. government forces. Preparatory and closing sessions (during the course) help to position • Handling questioning and Echoes Internationals support for mission partners and enables an op- portunity for discussion as to the particular challenges faced by mission interrogation partners in overseas service today. Fellowship and prayer times with • Kidnap prevention and survival skills other mission partners during this time is refreshing and encouraging. • First Aid instruction with an emphasis on responding in challenging settings.

“The course was excellent; well structured and professionally delivered. There was a lot of information to ab- sorb, but it was delivered at a good pace and all of it was necessary. There was a relaxed atmosphere which meant that asking questions was easy.” (Josh & Keri Kaye) “It was uncomfortable at times, which made it worthwhile for me. It is meant to take us out of our comfort zone ……..Learning to deal with these life changing events is crucial.” (WM) “Personally, I found that one of the Tim Mercer, First Rock International most helpful elements of the course were Tim’s anecdotes and stories. It Tim Mercer grew up in the Brethren Assemblies and set his advice in the real world, rein- now attends Thriving Life Church in Newtownards. forced the practical value of what he was teaching, added credibility as we He joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary after leaving school. Most of his knew this was advice proven to work 16 years service were spent within the Special Operations Branch as a on the ground, and illustrated the Tier 1 Surveillance Operator and Tactics and Firearms Instructor. On theory even when we weren't able to leaving the force he attended Belfast Bible College before becoming go out and do practical work related the warden of a Christian Outdoor Pursuits centre. He formed First Rock after realising that the skills gained within the public and private security to that specific element. sector, including living through a 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland were of value to those carrying out the Great Commission. The set of experiences and skills that God has given him were clearly used Tim is currently a High-Risk Adviser and, additionally, an operational Back-watcher and Medic for the media providing close protection and well through the past few days.” medic cover for journalists. He is a vastly experienced and expert con- (R Harknett) sultant security adviser and trainer, preparing individuals to live and work safely in non-permissive environments. His experience is current “The whole experience was a positive and he teaches from this and not from a book. He also undertakes crisis one; having the time set aside to properly management tasks and security surveys, having worked in over 70 countries where he developed a keen cultural awareness. consider what can be done differently was helpful. As well as shaping my gen- eral attitude there are some practical ‘take-a-ways’ that can be easily imple- mented.” (J McIlree) The practical activities achieved their aims perfectly; not too serious so as to be overwhelming and not too trivial so as to make us indifferent.” (S McKillen) “The word ‘victory’ has taken on a whole new meaning!” (S Walls BES) Echoes International, Risk and the Mission Partner Echoes International recognises that there are many safety and security issues facing mission partners today. Therefore, mission partner security has become a growing aspect of Echoes International’s service commitment for partners and their commending churches. In addition, Echoes International needs to address and satisfy increased external scrutiny from government agencies relative to security issues. A key element involves facilitating training for mission partners whose service overseas may face heightened risk. HEFAT training is considered a valuable tool, whether in the prepa- ration of new mission partners or as a refresher course for those who have served overseas for many years.

First Aid Training* covers: “The role playing was well done and real enough to get your heart pumping but not too real to give you a heart attack!!! • Role of the First Aider and contents of a First Aid Kit Great practical First Aid demonstrations and explanations • Scene surveys - assessing the scene, primary and leaving you prepared to face many crises.” (P Andrews) secondary survey of a casualty, recovery position. • Managing an unresponsive casualty—CPR and Defibrillation techniques. • Respiratory system, managing choking/ obstructions. • Wounds, bleeding, bandaging and the use of haemostatic agents. • Use of Tourniquets and Chest Seals** • Shock and Seizures • Dealing with minor injuries • Other injuries (fractures; heart attack, stroke, head injuries etc) • Improvised drags and carries of injured persons** Samples of first aid kit, Resusci-Annies, defibrillator trainers, practice bandages, tourniquets, fake blood and wounds enable practical role play and make the training realistic. Whilst prior knowledge is not essen- tial, a basic awareness of first aid can be helpful. *This course is accredited by Highfield College—Emergency First Aid at Work (Level 3). A short multiple choice assess- ment is taken at the end of the training. ** Covered during the HEAT training (Days 1 & 2) “The training has left me more confident that I will be pre- pared for issues should they arise. I have also been equipped to look for potential dangers where perhaps I might have totally missed them in the past. The course and the opportunity to spend time away with other mission part- ners was thoroughly refreshing.” (M McKillen) “Excellent course that has assisted us to rethink our ap- proach to our country involvement and to analyse our own responses and reactions to stressful situations.” (K & S Lake) Interested to Echoes International is committed to running two training events annually for know more and mission partners. These residential courses can accommodate 12 persons. get involved? If you are interested in finding out more or discussing this training opportunity further, please contact Debbie Scott by email or call the Echoes International Office on 03300 563334 (Admin option).