Hostile Environment and First Aid Training (HEFAT) course (modular)

Background –

 

First Rock was founded over 25 years ago to serve Missionary Organisations. the INGO community and the Media. Our aim is to help make people’s lives safer through training and advice. Our clients include, World Vision International, Release International, Mines Advisory Group, Mercy Corps, BBC, ITN and RTE.

Founder and Lead Instructor

Tim Mercer joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary immediately after leaving school. Most of his 16 years’ service were spent within Special Operations Branch as a Tier 1 Surveillance Operator and Tactics and Firearms Instructor working alongside other UK Special Forces. He was involved in covert operations against terrorist groups during the period called the ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland, a violent conflict that lasted 30 years, costing almost four thousand lives and over ten thousand injured. He has worked all over world in most of the recent conflicts including Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Ukraine, Nigeria and the Middle East.

 

First Rock courses are designed for individuals and organisations travelling to countries where there is a medium to high level security risk. This provides peace of mind for the traveller, their family and the sending organisation. It also protects against potential litigation and reputational damage. Our courses are of value to those going on short-term trips or embarking on a long-term overseas project.

 

 

Day 1

 

Personal Safety Foundation including behaviour on foot, in a vehicle or at a residence/hotel

Advise on useful and inexpensive safety equipment to bring with you

Situation awareness and spotting hostile watchers

Self-defence and breakaway techniques

Tactical driving and parking

Vehicle travel and convoy management

Negotiating Vehicle Checkpoints (VCPs) safely

Dealing with a Road Traffic Collision and Safe Casualty Extraction

Surviving a vehicle ambush or crossfire

Ballistic Awareness, demonstrating what protects us from gunfire, including cover from heavier weapons such as shells and mortars

Surviving a Grenade attack or a thrown Improvised Explosive Device

Surviving an Active shooter, Stabber or Suicide bomb Attack 

How to craft a Safe Room or Go to Ground Room

 

 

Day 2

 

Mines, Improvised Explosive Devices, Explosive Remnants of War/Unexploded Ordinance

Anti-surveillance on foot or in a vehicle

Demonstration of covert vehicle tracking, video, communications and bugging equipment

Dealing with official detention by government forces

Handling questioning and interrogation

Kidnap prevention and survival covering Release, Rescue and Escape

 

The courses involve classroom, PPT, videos, demonstrations, role-play and outdoor exercises.

 

Day 3

First Aid training

 

During the third day we cover the following subjects:

 

DR(C)ABC

The contents of a First Aid kit

The Primary and Secondary Survey

Safe Airway Position

Dealing with choking

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Dealing with Stabbing, Gunshot Wounds and Blast Injuries

Bandaging and the use of haemostatic agents

Use of Tourniquets and Chest Seals

Burns

Improvised techniques, drags and carries of injured persons

 

There will be instruction, demonstration and practice of all these techniques. Those completing this course will receive a separate Highfield College accredited Emergency First Aid qualification valid for 3 years.

 

Equipment and timings –

 

We recommend you bring warm, waterproof clothing, woolen hat and gloves, which you do not mind lying on the ground in. Walking boots or any type of footwear with ankle support would be appropriate however training shoes are also ok. If attending the first aid day wear loose fitting clothes such as tracksuits.

 

Parade at our training venue for 0830 where we will have tea and coffee. We will commence sharp at 0900. All other training equipment will be provided.

 

We will supply paper and pens for note taking.

 

We provide a handout containing other valuable information for overseas travel.

 

We will be finished by around 5pm each day breaking for lunch at 1230 for approximately 45 minutes.

 

 

Breaks –

 

We will have two tea breaks, one mid-morning and the other mid-afternoon, were tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.

 

Accommodation: There are a number of hotels and B&Bs in Bangor. We can provide details if required.

 

Lunch: Delegates can bring a packed lunch with them or there is a café, KFC and Sainsburys store containing a Starbucks within walking distance.

 

The Courses –

 

All the training is contained within a safe and controlled environment and delegates will neither be harmed, embarrassed or scared. We do however train the way we operate, so there will be a level of realism. No major fitness level is required, and delegates will not be required to run any great distance.

 

We will be using blank rounds and pyrotechnic explosions to simulate ambushes. We mention this in advance so that delegates are aware and in case anyone has experienced trauma from gunshots or explosions in the past.

 

On the first aid day there will be some PPT pictures of wounds. These are not overly graphic, and delegates will be given advance notice of them being shown.

 

 If you can inform of any physical or emotional injuries in advance these will be kept in the strictest of confidence. Either by phoning myself, emailing or informing a member of your organization for onward transmission.

 

Payment – First Rock operates a policy of a 50% deposit to book a place on the course. The remaining 50% must be paid prior to commencement of the course. Cancellation within 2 weeks of the course will ensue a full payment cost. Please make payment to Tim Mercer Account number: 23098633 Sort code: 09-01-27

 

Preferred payment is via BACs and an invoice will be emailed to the client. Please email us for Bank Account details. A certificate of attendance plus another for the First Aid day will be issued. Both courses are valid for 3 years from date of completion 

 

1-day Hostile Environment Training Course - £200

2-day Hostile Environment Awareness Training Course - £350

3-day Hostile Environment and First Aid Training Course - £450

1 day First Aid Course - £150

 

 

For further information contact – Tim 0044 7809 689987

tmercersec@aol.com