Hostile Environment Trainings

The IWMF is committed to helping improve the ability of journalists to report safely in an increasingly complex world, and improve their situational awareness, self-defense and first aid skills. In-person HEFAT trainings typically last four days, with at least 50 percent of the course focused on practical, realistic scenarios.

Thomson Reuters covers the costs of up to fourteen freelance journalists attending a five-day Hostile Environment Training course run by Hawthorne Proactive.

GIJN has partnered with the London-based Centre for Investigative Journalism and the Freedom of the Press Foundation to offer a safety and security training program tailored for investigative journalists, delivered online with hands-on practical sessions.

Tailored to the specific challenges of reporting on environmental issues in Southeast Asia. Open to as many as 15 journalists selected from the region, including Rainforest Journalism Fund grantees.

GJS works for news, non-profit, corporate and government clients, providing security consulting services and training options for staff, freelance journalists and other contributors. Courses range from 2-day refreshers to comprehensive 5-day courses covering kidnapping and detention.

Pioneers of Hostile Environment Awareness Training since 1991 — AKE designed the world’s first safety course for journalists covering war zones in 1993. Their 4-day residential HEFAT course combines security, medical, and situational awareness modules, with discounted NGO rates available.

UK-based Centurion designed the original HEFAT course in 1993 and trains roughly 1,000 journalists a year through regular courses in the UK and Virginia, US. All BBC journalists entering hostile environments are required to complete this training.

A bursary fund enabling freelance journalists to access HEFAT training with trusted course providers, teaching risk assessment, crisis handling, and first aid. Eligibility requires at least 18 months of freelance newsgathering experience.

Hostile environment and first aid training developed in close collaboration with BBC, ITN, Channel 4, CNN, NBC, and The Washington Post. Courses are endorsed by the Rory Peck Trust and the Frontline Club, who offer bursaries for freelancers.

Holder of the Hostile Environment Safety Awareness Training contract for the European Broadcast Union (EBU) Academy for over 22 years, training media professionals from major European broadcasters. Courses run 2–5 days and cover checkpoints, kidnap avoidance, and trauma care.