Hostile Environment First Aid Training (HEFAT)

The Ops Con

Specialist

Expert-led HEFAT training built on real-world operational experience, tailored to equip you for the realities of hostile and high-risk settings.

About This Course

We are proud to introduce one of the most in-depth and immersive HEFAT programmes currently available, designed entirely in house by our cadre of highly experienced operators. With operational backgrounds spanning South America, Africa, Gaza, Afghanistan and Ukraine, our team has worked in some of the world’s most austere and challenging environments. These real-world experiences have shaped what we believe to be the most comprehensive, realistic and operationally relevant hostile environment and first aid training on the market. Our HEFAT is delivered as a fully immersive experience that replicates the physical, emotional and cognitive pressures of a hostile environment. It can be run as a full-spectrum programme or tailored to a specific area of operations for teams preparing to deploy. Whatever your requirements, our aim is to equip personnel with the skills, mindset and confidence necessary to operate safely, decisively and effectively in high-risk settings.

What You'll Learn

How to correctly fit, maintain and select body armour, helmets and other essential PPE, understanding their capabilities and limitations.

The contents, purpose and effective use of an Individual First Aid Kit, including application under pressure.

Operation and maintenance of communications equipment, including radios, satellite systems and Starlink for resilient connectivity.

Best practice for vehicle safety, movement discipline and managing checkpoints in high-risk environments.

Conflict management and de-escalation techniques to support informed decision-making under threat.

How to analyse an Area of Operations, including both broad ground appreciation and detailed ground assessment for safe planning and movement.

How to identify cultural, environmental and governmental threats to inform safe behaviour and reduce risk.

Cultural understanding of deployment regions, including societal norms, sensitivities and effective local engagement.

Recognition of weapon systems commonly found in the AO, from small arms to larger ordnance.

Ground sign awareness, plus identification and avoidance of IEDs and mine hazards.

Understanding the characteristics of common UXO and the correct safety procedures when encountered.

How to recognise kidnap and ransom threats, understand risk indicators and apply personal safety procedures.

Recognition and management of psychological stress and injury caused by hostile environments, with practical resilience techniques.

Advanced, intensive battlefield first aid delivered in realistic conditions to build competence and confidence under pressure.

Course Features

Blended learning format combining classroom instruction with extensive field-based training in all weather conditions.

Highly realistic training environment using pyrotechnics, blank-firers and controlled noise and light effects to replicate hostile conditions.

A fully immersive programme designed to place learners under realistic physical, cognitive and emotional pressure.

Twelve detailed, real-life scenarios that simulate the demands of operating in a hostile environment.

Authentic replication of the look, feel and tempo of working in high-risk areas.

Cultural understanding of the specific Area of Operations woven throughout the curriculum.

Bespoke course design tailored to the team’s deployment region and operational requirements.

A country-specific manual detailing safe locations, key contacts, emergency numbers and contextual intelligence.

Guidance on insurance and risk management through our connection with International SOS.

Two days of classroom-based learning followed by three days on the ground at our training site, delivered as a fully immersive operational experience.

Delegates will sleep for two nights in realistic conditions, such as barns or emergency shelters, to replicate the living environments commonly experienced in hostile or resource-limited areas.

A detailed kit list will be provided in advance to ensure all delegates arrive properly prepared for the immersive nature of the course.

Prerequisites

•Minimum age: 18
•Good level of physical fitness

Certification

Level 3 First Aid at Work, Level 3 Hostile Environment First Aid Training (HEFAT)

£1,750

Members: £1,500

Prices may vary on specific course dates

Duration

5 Days

Location

Battersea Power Station, London (Off-Site Training Areas)

Available Dates

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