What is HEAT training?
What is HEAT training?
HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training) is a multi-day course in which participants learn the skills, knowledge and attitude to improve their personal security in hostile environments.
``The best part was the build-up. I was so nervous before I came here but the way it was set up made sure I was ready for every next step. Gained confidence.``
Frequently asked questions about HEAT training
What is the goal of HEAT training?
During the course, the emphasis is on behavioural change to ensure the participants respond effectively in dangerous situations.
This behavioural change is reached by a combination of different methods. The main methods are practical exercises and real-life simulations.
What characterises a quality HEAT course?
Three pillars for a qualitative HEAT course are a solid curriculum, a safe learning environment and an immersive learning experience.
What is the best HEAT curriculum?
The most widely recognised curriculum is the European Union’s ENTRi curriculum. This curriculum describes a five-day Advanced HEAT in detail.
It also functions as a basis for three-day Basic HEAT courses. ENTRi is updated regularly during the meetings of the HEAT Expert Group. This group consists of all the major European HEAT training centres. CSD facilitates the HEAT Expert group.
What is a safe learning environment?
A safe learning environment is key for a successful HEAT course.
During a HEAT course, participants experience mental and physical pressure. The course makes sure the pressure is enough to challenge them. Too much pressure will stop them from learning. The goal is to balance the pressure to maximise the learning experience.
To make sure the course stays a safe learning experience, the trainers and actors are bound to protocols. These safety protocols ensure aggression, wording, touching and scenarios stay within safe boundaries.
The main factor for a safe learning environment is a dedicated trainer/ host trained in psychological first aid.
This person is available at all times for the participants. The trainer in front of the group can continue the course when a time-out is needed by a participant. The participant can talk with the trainer/host without time pressure.
Where are the HEAT courses located?
CSD organizes courses in four HEAT Hubs to make sure you can easily travel to a hub nearby.
Locations:
- Netherlands, Soesterberg
- USA, Montrose VA
- Kenya, Nairobi
- Jordan, Amman
What is immersive learning during a HEAT training?
The immersive learning experience, storyline and real-life simulations ground the learning goals in a virtual and practical reality.
The participants are immersed in a made-up country. In this country, the security situation deteriorates during the course. This change is made visible using video news broadcasts, situation updates, and stories from actors.
This scenario-based learning has several advantages.
First, when training professionals, the connection with practice is important. The participants want to connect their learning with practical skills in the field.
The simulated events have a second advantage. When confronted with dangerous situations in a simulated reality, the participants can experiment with behaviour in a safe environment. They test the reactions of the actors and stick to successful behaviour in the future.
The third advantage is the creation of virtual memories. When confronted with a robbery, in reality, your brain searches for similar situations in the past. The situation during the HEAT will pop up and with that memory, the effective behaviour to respond to the dangerous situation.
Lastly, the storyline and simulations allow for gamification. Rewards and team goals add up to a fun and engaging experience. HEAT training can be fun!