Employees of the NGO “Responsible Citizens” completed a HEAT training course—a program on survival and response in high-risk areas
The staff of the NGO “Responsible Citizens” have completed a four-day intensive HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training) course, designed to prepare individuals for work in high-risk environments. For a team carrying out humanitarian missions in frontline regions, this was not only a challenge but also an opportunity to strengthen their professional skills.
The training covered the simulation of real threats and practical exercises in conditions closely resembling combat situations. Participants learned how to respond to shelling, navigate checkpoints, avoid landmine hazards, plan safe routes, and provide emergency medical aid according to the MARCH protocol. Each day of the training required not only knowledge but also quick reactions, teamwork, and effective communication in crisis situations.
Simulations became a key part of the training, allowing participants to test their abilities in scenarios reflecting real challenges. It was a time to step out of their comfort zone, overcome fears, and rethink their capabilities. The training helped not only refine technical skills but also build psychological resilience, which is the foundation of safety in extreme conditions.
Enrique Menendez, Program Director of the NGO “Responsible Citizens,” remarked:
“These four days were not just about learning, but also about testing our own capabilities. The simulations help us not only absorb new knowledge but also understand how to apply it in real-life situations. This experience strengthens the team and makes our work even more effective.”
The NGO “Responsible Citizens” continues to demonstrate its commitment to its mission – helping those who need it most. Through such training, the team becomes stronger, more cohesive, and better prepared for the challenges that daily reality presents.
Більше новин
-
Evacuation, Care, New Beginnings: A Donetsk Family Builds a Future with NGO SupportIn the spring of 2025, they became participants in the program "Local, Inclusive, and Comprehensive Emergency Assistance to the Population Affected by the War in Ukraine," implemented by the NGO "Responsible Citizens" in partnership with Mercy Corps and with financial support from the UK Government.
-
When strategy works: how communication becomes a driver of changeHow do you make sure a strategy doesn’t just sit on paper but actually works — inspires, unites, and leads forward? How do you build a dialogue with media, partners...
-
Charity festival “Dnipro. All Our Own”: Uniting to support children and families in DniproDnipro hosted the charity festival “Dnipro. All Our Own,” which brought together civil society organizations, charitable foundations, entrepreneurs, and city residents around an important goal — helping internally displaced persons (IDPs) and families that include people with disabilities. The festival fostered an atmosphere of support, mutual assistance, and hope, which is especially important in today’s circumstances.
-
Support Nearby in Sumy RegionThe NGO Responsible Citizens continues its active work within the framework of the JERU (Joint Emergency Response in Ukraine) partnership — a joint initiative of the international organizations Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide, implemented with funding from the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.
-
“We appreciate that the financial assistance came just 10 days after the application,” says Yulia Limar, a resident of Kehychivka in the Kharkiv region.Kehychivka is a small village in the Kharkiv region with nearly 5,000 residents. It is located approximately 2 hours by car from both Kharkiv and Poltava. This is w...
-
Zaporizhzhia: first meeting of the coordination group on identifying community needs for social servicesThe NGO “Responsible Citizens” participated in the first meeting of the city coordination group established to identify the needs of residents of the Zaporizhzhia city territorial community under emergency or martial law conditions. The group includes representatives of relevant city services (education, healthcare, social protection) as well as non-governmental organizations.
-
Strengthening partnerships: discussing changes and achievements in social services in 2024Oksana Ivantina, Regional Coordinator of the NGO “Responsible Citizens,” participated in an event for UNICEF implementation partners, which became a key...
-
A Family from Kharkiv Received Comprehensive Assistance and Support for Their Children’s EducationThe NGO “Responsible Citizens,” in partnership with Save the Children, supported the family through a project implemented with financial support from the U.S. Government. Photo credit: Save the Children.