Bespoke medical kits linked to 24/7 doctor on call for added protection (photo: Iqarus)

A new interactive training course for media and production crews operating in dangerous environments has been launched aiming to provide life-saving skills through dynamic simulations.

Designed by former Special Forces medical experts at Iqarus, who have decades of experience of supporting media teams, the Media Operations Emergency Training provides the equipment and skills to manage life threatening traumatic injuries and acute illness.

According to the International News Safety Institute, more than 100 journalists and media staff have been killed so far in 2016. The specialist training course covers incidents that can be encountered in the field from ballistic trauma and road traffic collisions to climatic injuries, infections and chemical or biological agent release.

Course participants receive a bespoke medical kit on completion of the training, linked to a 24/7 doctor on call system for added protection.

Ged Healy, executive director of training and development at Iqarus says, “We have supported media organisations with numerous expeditions and understand the far reaching risks the media face when operating in tough environments from conflicts and natural disasters to weather extremes. Using our purpose built simulation space, the course uses role players to bring casualty scenarios to life with collapsible street scenes and climatic sensory rooms for added realism. By roleplaying high-risk, high-pressure situations, we can train media personnel to keep their focus and respond effectively in a life-threatening situation.”

Capability is developed during the three-day course through practical simulations with course materials and certifications provided along with a comprehensive aide memoir and the ability to dispense certain medications within personal equipment.

Richard Stacey, BBC safety, security and resilience (SSR) specialist, who supports and advises news crews in high risk and hostile environments, recently took part in a pilot training programme. He says, “The facilities and training course are excellent, with an informative debrief and group conversation on each of the scenarios. The course covered both clinical and trauma, giving a useful breadth of skills and learning.”

Tags: Iqarus