Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT)
Prepare. Recognise the threat. Get out safely. A 3-day hands-on HEAT course for security professionals, humanitarian staff, journalists, engineers and corporate travellers who work or travel in high-risk regions. Classroom theory is combined with realistic field scenarios, so you practise every key skill, not just read about it.
- Duration3 days
- Price€1,300
- Register now
About course
Conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping, natural disasters and medical emergencies can turn an ordinary assignment into a life-threatening situation within minutes. Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) prepares you to recognise danger early, make the right decisions under pressure and get yourself and your team out safely.
This 3-day course follows the full assignment cycle: from researching the destination and pre-deployment planning, through daily personal security, journey management and site security, to crisis response and evacuation.
Every theory block is followed by practical exercises: trauma first aid, vehicle checkpoint drills, kidnapping and detention scenarios, civil unrest and explosive hazard awareness, and a full crisis and evacuation exercise.
The course is designed for security professionals, humanitarian and NGO staff, journalists, engineers and corporate travellers deploying to challenging environments, and for anyone who wants to be prepared when normal life breaks down.
What’s included
Topics
- 01Understanding hostile environments: threats, risk assessment and acceptable risk
- 02Pre-deployment planning and preparation
- 03Situational awareness and personal security
- 04Cultural awareness, communication and de-escalation
- 05Journey management and transport safety
- 06Accommodation, workplace and site security
- 07Conflict, civil unrest and explosive hazard awareness
- 08Kidnapping prevention, detention and survival
- 09Medical emergencies, health and psychological resilience
- 10Emergency communications, crisis response and evacuation
- 11Practical: trauma first aid (bleeding control, tourniquet, casualty handling)
- 12Practical: vehicle checkpoint and roadblock drills
- 13Practical: route planning and journey management exercise
- 14Practical: civil unrest and crowd navigation scenario
- 15Practical: IED and unexploded ordnance (UXO) awareness field exercise
- 16Practical: kidnapping, hostage and detention scenario
- 17Practical: emergency communications and crisis response drill
- 18Practical: full evacuation exercise and debriefing
Course details
3 days
EBSSA instructors with operational experience in high-risk environments.
The course combines classroom lectures with practical field exercises and realistic scenarios. Training takes place at the EBSSA Training Center using EBSSA equipment.
No prior security or military experience required. Minimum age 18. Open to all nationalities.
Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear appropriate for the weather. Clothing that can get dirty during field exercises.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous experience?
No prior security or military experience required. Minimum age 18. Open to all nationalities.
What is included in the price?
The price includes accommodation and meals.
How long is the course and where does it take place?
The course lasts 3 days. Dates and the location of each intake are listed in the course schedule.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. On successful completion of the course you receive the EBSSA International certificate.
Is EBSSA an accredited training provider?
Yes. EBSSA International was founded in 2014 and is a UN- and NATO-accredited training provider. Our certificates are ISO compliant, and accreditation documents are available on request.
How do I book a place?
Choose a date in the course schedule below and book online, or contact us on WhatsApp at +381 63 775 95 81 or by email at office@ebssa.net.