HEST
Hexenagger Schloss, Munich, Germany
21-25 April 2008
An intensive course to allow journalists and cameramen:
to identify their strengths and weaknesses and enable them to better assess the risks;
to acquire essential tools to handle stress, safety and avoid danger to operate under extreme conditions;
to exchange experiences in a stimulating environment.
Format and teaching methods:
4-day training
practical training including "play-outs" in reconstructed urban and rural settings,
group as well as personal debriefing sessions completing the the role plays.
presentations, ad-hoc lectures
As part of the training, participants are also asked to film, or record, edit and feed stories.
What the participants said about:
OVERALL EVALUATION
"I think I never learned that much in only four days. A lot of helpful information that will not be forgotten - and that is due to the highly impressive practical exercises. very realistic, very well conceived!"
"Very good course. A lot of extremely important knowledge in a very professional and efficient manner."
"Very good balance of pointing out serious dangers, stressing importance and fun elements."
DAY BY DAY EVALUATION
DAY 1 – FOUNDATION
"Weapons & trauma discussions are depressing of course but it gives you a lot of confidence to understand more about these things."
"Good refresher on First Aid without going too in depth and complicating the subject. Interesting talk on kidnap. Dispelled a few preconceived ideas about it."
DAY 2 – URBAN
"The Edit itself may not be that important - but it is necessary to have it to act realistically in the exercise before - so keep it that way! Practical exercises: highly organized; very realistic."
"Excellent real to life exercises which reinforced the class work. Instructors have great experience and exubereance in instructing (especially in First Aid). As an engineer, good to see the relation between cameraman and reporter and the time taken to edit and submit report."
DAY 3 – RURAL
"Practical exercises / role play, like on Day II, very good!"
"Good confirmation of skills learned in class. Noticed the problem with a class all taught the same was that there was not set leader of the group for coordination. Would be different in real life situation."
DAY 4 – CONFIRMATION
"All excellent advice and tips"
COMMENTS ON THE TRAINERS
"Usually there is an instructor that is not as good as the rest. But in this team is the perfect match of (...)/military/press experience. Good fun to work with also."
Participants who agree to be a reference for further HEST courses:
