Hostile Environment and First Aid Training (HEFAT)

The Hostile Environment and First Aid Training (HEFAT) is a practical safety course for journalists designed to improve situational awareness, self-defense and first aid skills for reporting in dangerous or high-risk environments. The International Women's Media Foundation has organized HEFAT courses since 2014, delivering instruction on risk assessment, PPE, casualty care and psychological safety. Sessions have included modules tailored for covering protests, civil unrest and challenges faced by women journalists and journalists of color.

Training in situational awareness, self-defense, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, casualty assessment and first aid (including CPR), and guidance on psychological safety and digital/legal safety topics.

The training is intended for journalists, including student journalists; sessions have included content tailored to U.S.-based journalists and student reporters.

The site links to related webinars and a Submittable form for one-on-one digital security consultations.