Hostile Environment Awareness and First Aid Training (HEFAT) course

This course is hosted by Echoes International

(Directions to venue: air, train and bus travel options can be provided)

PREPARE. PROTECT. PERFORM.

Working overseas can present unique challenges and risks. Whether you are embarking on a short-term mission trip, long-term ministry assignment, humanitarian deployment, or international project, preparation is essential.

First Rock's Hostile Environment Awareness and First Aid Training (HEFAT) courses equip delegates with practical skills, confidence and knowledge to operate safely in medium and high-risk environments.

Our training provides peace of mind for travellers, their families and sending organisations while helping reduce operational, legal and reputational risk.

ABOUT FIRST ROCK

For over 26 years, First Rock has served the missionary and faith-based humanitarian community. We are the only Christian security training organisation of our kind operating in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Europe.  Our mission is simple:

Helping people stay safer through practical training, professional advice and Biblical principles.

Our instructors are committed Christians who understand that safety and security must be viewed through both a practical and spiritual lens. While we trust in God's providential care and the power of prayer, we also recognise the importance of wise preparation in an increasingly complex world.

Trusted by

Our clients include:

• World Vision International
• Release International
• Church Mission Society
• Mission Africa
• Mercy Corps
• Athletes in Action
• Overseas Board of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
• Echoes International
• Frontiers
• Arab World Ministries
• Blue Tree

and many other organisations serving around the world.

LEAD INSTRUCTOR – TIM MERCER

Tim Mercer brings decades of operational, training and international experience to every course.

After joining the Royal Ulster Constabulary directly from school, Tim spent 16 years serving mostly within Special Operations Branch, specialising as a:

• Tier 1 Surveillance Operator
• Tactical and Firearms Instructor

During this period, he worked alongside other UK Special Forces and participated in covert operations throughout the Northern Ireland conflict.

Following his policing career, Tim studied at Belfast Bible College before founding First Rock International after recognising the need for professional security training within the missionary community.

Today, Tim continues to operate internationally as a:

• High-Risk Security Adviser
• Hostile Environment Trainer
• Operational Medic
• Media Security Specialist

He regularly supports international media organisations including Reuters, BBC, CNN, NBC Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and ITN in conflict and high-risk zones.

Having worked in over 70 countries, Tim brings current, real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring delegates learn practical skills that can be immediately applied in the field.

COURSE OVERVIEW

DAY 1 – PERSONAL SECURITY & HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS

Participants will learn:

Personal Safety & Security

• Personal safety foundations
• Safe behaviour on foot, in vehicles and at accommodation
• Essential safety equipment for overseas travel
• Situational awareness and threat recognition
• Identifying hostile surveillance
• Self-defence and breakaway techniques

Vehicle Security & Movement

• Tactical driving and parking
• Convoy management
• Negotiating vehicle checkpoints safely
• Road traffic collision management
• Casualty extraction techniques
• Surviving vehicle ambushes and crossfire situations

Conflict Zone Awareness

• Ballistic awareness and effective cover
• Protection from small arms, mortars and indirect fire
• Surviving grenade attacks and improvised explosive devices
• Active shooter, stabbing and suicide bombing incidents
• Creating and managing safe rooms

DAY 2 – ADVANCED THREAT MANAGEMENT

Explosive Threat Awareness

• Landmines
• Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
• Explosive Remnants of War (ERW)
• Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Surveillance & Counter-Surveillance

• Anti-surveillance techniques
• Detection methods on foot and in vehicles
• Demonstrations of covert tracking and monitoring equipment

Detention, Kidnap & Survival

• Dealing with official detention
• Managing questioning and interrogation
• Kidnap prevention strategies
• Survival during captivity
• Release, rescue and escape considerations

Practical Learning Methods include:

• Classroom instruction
• Professional presentations
• Video demonstrations
• Scenario-based role play
• Practical outdoor exercises

DAY 3 – EMERGENCY FIRST AID TRAINING

This practical first aid programme focuses on emergency response in the Church, Home and Workplace, but also includes remote and hostile environments.

Topics include:

• DR(C)ABC assessment
• First aid kit contents and management
• Primary and secondary surveys
• Safe airway positioning
• Choking management
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Managing gunshot wounds, stabbing injuries and blast trauma
• Bandage techniques
• Haemostatic dressings
• Tourniquet application
• Chest seal application
• Burns management
• Improvised casualty movement techniques
• Emergency drags and carries

Accredited Qualification

Delegates who successfully complete Day 3 will receive a separate:

Qualsafe Emergency First Aid at work Level 3 Award 

Valid for three years.

WHAT TO BRING

Days 1 & 2

We recommend:

• Warm clothing – suitable for outdoor practical exercises
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Walking boots or supportive footwear
• Woollen hat and gloves

Day 3

• Loose-fitting clothing
• Tracksuit or similar attire suitable for practical first aid exercises

All training equipment is supplied.

Delegates will also receive:

• Course notes
• Pens and stationery
• Overseas travel safety handout

COURSE TIMINGS

Arrival: 08:45

Training Starts:        09:00 sharp

Lunch:                        13.15 (approximately 45 minutes)

Finish:                        Around 17:00 daily

Morning and afternoon refreshment breaks are provided with tea, coffee and biscuits.

ACCOMMODATION & CATERING

Limited accommodation is available at Murlough House on a first-come, first-served basis. If required do not contact Murlough House but speak to Tim (details below) first.

Alternative local guesthouses and Airbnb accommodation can be recommended.

Lunch and evening meals may be purchased at Murlough House (notified in advance)

Please discuss accommodation and catering/dietary requirements when booking.

TRAINING ENVIRONMENT

All training is conducted within a safe, professional and controlled environment.

While realistic scenarios are used to maximise learning, delegates will not be harmed, embarrassed or subjected to unnecessary stress.

No exceptional fitness level is required and there is no requirement to undertake strenuous physical activity.

To enhance realism, blank ammunition and pyrotechnic effects may be used during practical exercises. Delegates who have previously experienced trauma involving firearms or explosions are encouraged to discuss any concerns confidentially before attending.

Similarly, some medical imagery may be used during the first aid module, with advance warning provided.

Any physical or emotional conditions disclosed prior to the course will be treated in strict confidence.

COURSE FEES

Hostile Environment Awareness Training

1-Day Hostile Environment Training – £210

2-Day Hostile Environment Awareness Course – £370

Combined HEFAT Programme

3-Day Hostile Environment & First Aid Training – £480

First Aid Only

1-Day Emergency First Aid Course – £150

BOOKING & PAYMENT

A 50% deposit is required to secure your place.

The remaining balance must be paid no later than two weeks before the course commencement date.

Please note:

• Deposits are non-refundable within two weeks of the course start date.
• Please do not contact Murlough House directly regarding bookings.

Invoices are issued electronically and payment is preferred by BACS transfer.

CERTIFICATION

Delegates will receive:

• Certificate of Attendance
• Emergency First Aid Qualification Certificate (where applicable)

Both qualifications remain valid for three years from the completion date.

CONTACT

Tim Mercer

Director & Lead Instructor

Mobile: +44 (0)7809 689987

Email: [email protected]

For course availability, accommodation enquiries or organisational bookings, please contact Tim directly.