The SSAFE and IFAK courses will be delivered over four consecutive days and respond to a demand from the UN system and relevant partners to train staff who need to be deployed at short notice to volatile areas of the world with comprehensive safety and security training.

Introduction

United Nations (UN) and associated personnel who work in complex environments need to be equipped with specific safety and security skills and knowledge.

The SSAFE training curriculum is based on United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS) and UNSSC standard modules and combines theoretical lessons, demonstrations, group work, practical exercises and field simulations. It is delivered by SSAFE trainers who are UNDSS and UNSSC certified.

The IFAK training is a specialized UNDSS first-aid course that provides participants with skills and knowledge in basic medical care of traumatic injuries in the field, through a combination of theoretical lessons, hands-on skills stations and practical simulations. The IFAK training is an assessed course, and participants are expected to demonstrate certain IFAK-related competencies in order to receive the IFAK certificate in addition to their SSAFE certificate.

Objectives

The SSAFE training programme aims to equip participants with a common understanding of key principles, guidelines, and policies to improve their security awareness. It offers the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to various security incidents they might encounter.

The IFAK training provides participants with the skills and knowledge to provide basic medical care on managing traumatic injuries in the field.

Course methodology

This SSAFE and IFAK courses combine theoretical lessons, demonstrations, group work, practical exercises, skill stations and simulations. The courses are delivered by certified trainers who regularly run these courses at their duty stations.

A unique feature of the programme is the practical simulations of situations that staff may encounter while fulfilling their duties and missions. This is run in collaboration with the Italian Army

Course contents

The standard SSAFE learning curriculum consists of the following modules:

  • UN Security Management System
  • Working in Field Environments
  • Communication and Technology
  • Vehicle and Movement
  • Captivity and Detention
  • Managing Injuries in Field Environments

The field-day exercise is conducted with professional role players from the Italian Army and simulates real-life situations that staff may encounter while fulfilling their duties and missions. This simulation enhances the participant’s learning experiences by enabling them to learn how to face the risks and dangers that are likely to occur when working in volatile and unstable areas.

The IFAK course covers the following elements:

  • Scene Safety
  • Massive Bleeding
  • Airway Management
  • MARCH Protocol
  • Rapid Casualty Assessment
Target audience

The course is open to UN personnel and affiliated organizations in the field and at headquarters.

Cost of participation

The course fee of $1,900 covers course materials, training and facilitation services as well as participation in the field exercises. Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and meals.