Ukraine Journalist Safety #3

Welcome!

Chris Post

• Owner, International Media Support Group
• @ChrisMPost on Twitter and IG

Welcome!

• Risk assessment and management
• Planning and preparation for work in the danger zone
• Providing first aid for injuries and trauma
• Work in the combat zone
• Coverage of mass riots
• Physical security of women journalists
• Protective equipment and its use
• Communication during work
• Psychological recovery after work in the danger zone

Planning & Risk Assessment

• Critical to success & safety!
• Discuss all the possibilities and “WHAT IF” scenarios.
• Dynamic Risk Assessments

Incident VS Events

• Event is something you can plan for.
• Intel gathering
• Scouring social media
• Talking with your peers & coworkers
• We have a game plan! Maybe..

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• Incidents, most often there is no planning.
• High level of uncertainty
• Little to none or bad information
• Inadequate supplies

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Civil Disturbance & Protests = THREATS

• OC / CS / CN
• Rubber Bullets
• Sting Ball Grenades
• Paintball OC Ball guns
• Bean Bag rounds
• Bullets
• Fire & Arson
• Rocks, Sticks, Bricks, Bottles

Non Physical Threats

• Hacking
• Information warfare
• Intimidation / Harassment
• Cyber Stalking / Bullying

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P.E.T.E

• You know your assignment, now we’re going to think about the potential threats and hazards you might face.
• We find it useful to use the P.E.T.E  acronym
• PETE stands for People, Environment, Task and Equipment.
• It’s a good way of thinking things through simply.

People

• Who is in your team?
• Who might you encounter?

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Environment

• Where are you going?
• What will be around you?
• Will it be hot / cold / wet / dry?

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Task

• What are you trying to do?
• How often do you need to do it?

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Equipment

• What do you need to take to complete your task?
• What do you need to keep yourself / your team safe?

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PETE

IFAK

1. Combat (hemostatic) gauze
2. Gloves
3. Israeli dressings
4. Pen light
5. Permanent marker
6. Tourniquet
7. Trauma shears
8. Vented chest seal

• Control wrap, ACE Bandage
• Duct / Gaff tape
• Extra gauze
• Nasal pharyngeal airway
• Pneumothorax kit
• Splinting material

Body Armor 101

Bullet Resistant NOT Bullet Proof!

Кулестійкий НЕ куленепробивний!

Body Armor 101

Body armor should be fitted with enough room for movement without being too loose. However, it should not be so tight that you are restricted and unable to move. Equally, if body armor is too tight, it can create small gaps making you vulnerable to potential threats.

Straps on armor vests should be secure enough to avoid unwanted movement, but should not be too tightly strapped. When this happens, the vest can sit too high making the midsection of the body vulnerable. To avoid this, it is suggested to strap it enough so a pull is felt. When the straps are adjusted correctly, it avoids unnecessary wear and tear on the outer carrier, as well as the inner ballistic panels.

Body Armor 101

Taking care of body armor is one of the best ways to ensure it fits properly. After the outer vest and the ballistic panels are cleaned, it is best to assemble the vest correctly, ensuring each plate is placed in the right way. This will allow the vest to retain its shape and fit.

When cleaning or storing a body armor carrier vest, lay it out flat to avoid the straps from overstretching and the vest to become misshapen.

Body Armor 101

Body Armor 101

1. Pads: Most issued ballistic helmets will have a five- or seven-pad system. It often takes a little maneuvering to get a suitable setup

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• Harness and chinstrap: All standard-issue helmets come with a harness and chinstrap. Most helmets contain an H-Harness system suitable for light-duty use.

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Helmets are Level III

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Civil Unrest / Civil Disobedience

• Planning
• Preparation
• Position
• Neutrality
• Safety

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Civil Unrest / Civil Disobedience

• Planning
• Preparation
• Position
• Neutrality
• Safety

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• Know what to expect, What happens if violence erupts?
• Establish pre-arranged fallback locations
• Have multiple ways to communicate!
• Medical Kit / IFAK
• PPE - Gas Mask / Body Armor / Eye Protection / Head Protection
• Non-Synthetic Clothing in the event of fire or petrol bombs.
• Be aware of how your dress. Don’t look like you are military or police.
• Be ready to run if conditions turn to violence. Tie your shoes!
• In a small rucksack have emergency supplies if you cant make it back to your office.

Civil Unrest / Civil Disobedience

• Planning
• Preparation
• Position
• Neutrality
• Safety

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• Always work in small groups!
• Bring your press card!
• If you do interviews, don’t do it in the middle of a crowd!
• Don’t get trapped in the middle! Work the edges.
• Photographers consider using elevation to gather images.
• If you see authorities circling or charging your location, its time to sneak out!
• Do not touch anything thrown by protesters / counter protesters.
• If stopped by military / police, identify your self as PRESS

Public Disorder / Civil Disobedience

• Planning
• Preparation
• Position
• Neutrality
• Safety

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• Keep your cool when things get crazy!
• Be aware of your situational awareness and react!
• Be prepared to run!
• In the event of teargas or crowd control agents including rubber bullets, have a plan
• Always have an escape plan and discuss it with your team. Communicate!
• Once things cool down, have an immediate discussion with news team members to see what worked and what didn’t. Corrective Actions!

Any Questions?

Chris@JournalistSafety.com

+16109721963 WhatsApp / Signal

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