HEAT Skills 3. Incident Management Week

HDFF’s Incident Management Week is an intensive four-day program that builds the skills needed to manage and respond to crises with confidence. Combining “Crisis Response: Hostage Situation” and “Crisis Negotiation”, this training blends real-life case studies, scenario-based exercises, and expert insights. Participants learn to lead under pressure, communicate effectively, and make critical decisions in high-risk situations — guided by internationally experienced crisis negotiators and field specialists.

Crisis Response: Hostage Situation

This two-day HEAT skills module provides a comprehensive overview of hostage situations from both the victim’s and management’s perspectives. Through realistic exercises and case studies, participants explore effective crisis response, coordination, and media management. The course is led by trainers with real-world experience as hostage negotiators and Crisis Management Team (CMT) members, and they can share their rich experiences in the field.

Objectives:

• Increase awareness of hostage prevention measures.
• Highlight the importance of the “Golden Hour” from the victim’s and the management’s side
• Introduce media management in hostage incidents.
• Highlight the value of clear hostage incident management policies.

Crisis Negotiation

This two-day HEAT course equips field staff and team leaders with essential negotiation tools for complex and high-stakes environments. Participants practice negotiation techniques in varied scenarios — from obtaining government permissions and resources to managing emergencies where negotiation may be limited. Training is highly participatory and guided by internationally experienced, culturally sensitive facilitators.

Objectives:

• Build understanding of negotiation in challenging contexts.
• Recognize the limitations of negotiation.
• Develop core principles and practical skills for effective negotiation.