Basic Security Training for Humanitarian Missions Abroad

This course prepares you comprehensively for potentially dangerous situations during assignments abroad. Through interactive learning methods and practical case studies, you will learn to develop a sense for dangerous situations and take preventive measures. A central aspect of the training is de-escalation in order to react appropriately to aggression and violence and to protect yourself in the long term.
We will also discuss how to deal with colleagues after stressful events and strategies for coping with stress in general and on assignments abroad. You are invited to bring your questions and previous experience to the course and exchange ideas with other participants in order to reflect together on the content taught and use it to prepare for your assignment abroad.

The course will cover following topics:

Preparation for travelling abroad: arrival at the airport, travelling in the country of assignment, selection of accommodation (e.g. hotels) from a safety perspective.

Behaviour and handling using de-escalation strategies: with criminals, in situations with a latent threat from a weapon, in the event of an acute threat from a stabbing weapon, with people who are highly stressed and prone to violent behaviour, at legal and illegal checkpoints, in the event of an ambush with an assault in a vehicle, against authorities/official representatives of state power

Handling of your own and others' stress in extraordinary situations and of colleagues who are experiencing an acute stressful event.

Knowledge about the types and effects of firearms, mines and hand grenades and about hazard-minimising behaviour in crowds, traffic accidents and pursuits abroad.