The H.E.A.T. (Hostile Environment Awareness Training) program is an intensive course designed to raise awareness of the risks associated with international mobility in degraded environments. This training equips personnel to respond effectively to high-risk situations during deployments in so-called “complex” or “hostile” areas.

Throughout the course, participants will be introduced to measures for preventing risks inherent to such deployments and will learn the appropriate behaviors to adopt in the event of an actual threat. The knowledge gained will be put to the test through scenario-based field exercises that closely mimic real-life conditions.

The objectives of the H.E.A.T. training are to enable participants to:

• Understand their environment and effectively assess and confront various threats arising from complex operational zones.
• Practice safety and security measures tailored to the risks they face.
• Develop individual skills and competencies to handle dangerous situations, thereby enhancing group resilience in such circumstances.
• Introduce learners from all disciplines to life-saving emergency care for severely injured victims in tactical situations.
• Foster team dynamics aimed at collectively extricating themselves from dangerous scenarios.

AACCES has its own training center, complete with teaching materials, classrooms, and privileged access to outdoor training grounds around Niamey (Limite des “Ficelles”), allowing participants to train in realistic conditions while remaining in a controlled environment.

Modules covered include:

• Risk Assessment
• Risk Management
• Security and Health Context Analysis
• Travel Security
• Tactical First Aid
• Communication Techniques
• Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
• Common Arsenal of Armed Groups
• Hostage Situations
• Stress Management
• Topography & GPS

All modules are integrated into practical operational scenarios, ensuring that participants can apply the theoretical knowledge acquired.

Duration of the training: 5 days

Certifications awarded upon completion:

• 1 Hostile Environment Awareness Training Certificate
• 1 StopTheBleed Diploma
• 2 HPass Badges

This training is aimed at all personnel operating in the field, whether on expatriate assignments or for short-term missions.