At Cosain Consultancy, we take immense pride in supporting freelance journalists, photographers, and filmmakers working in some of the world’s most volatile regions. Today, we’re honored to share the experiences of Ioann Maria, a dedicated documentary filmmaker and photojournalist in Ukraine, who recently attended our HEFAT course for freelancers.
“The Cosain Consultancy HEFAT course for freelancers was recommend to me by my documentary filmmaker friend who attended the training preceding year. He spoke highly of it and encouraged me to send in my application for consideration. The application process was straightforward and soon enough I was contacted by Cosain offering me a place.
I can’t begin to explain how much it meant to me to be given an opportunity to join the course. Even though I’ve been regularly traveling to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion, as a documentary filmmaker and a freelance photographer, I’d only learn about the safety in the conflict zone as I went. When I made it to the HEFAT course with Cosain, I had a long list of questions based on my previous experiences in a war zone. After an intense, in the best sense of the word, three days HEFAT course, everything was clear. During the theoretical classes I was given an opportunity to discuss everything in-depth and run through scenarios. There was also a very strong practical side of the sessions, where we were able to test out our knowledge. That included high quality first aid practice. Tutors invited to the course came with very impressive long years of experience. You knew you’re definitely getting the best insight into the safety and security in conflict zones.
I loved the mood during the course. I felt like I was among like-minded people, where we could share our experiences and have mutual understanding of the type of work we’re doing. I made a few good friends thanks to the course. We’re now all connected via chat. This is where you go, whether you need an advice, or want to find out about the situation in whatever place in the world.
I usually travel alone so the course gave me extra confidence and provided with skills in planning my next trips. After the training, I felt 100% ready to go back to the frontline. It was clear in my head what do I need to do in case of x, y or z. I was able to put together my IFAK, review my options for body armour and decide for best solutions for my own safety.
In most stressful and dangerous situations, I was able to relate to and make decisions based on the knowledge I got during the course. While on the frontline, it was also helpful in communication with other war journalists and the military, where we were on the same page when it comes to the risk assessment, and were able to get to work with mutual trust.
Taking part in the training was not only crucial for my safety on the frontline. Things discussed during the course also related to psychological wellbeing in our profession, and how not to overlook the steps, that will help us dealing with our experiences while not on the assignment.
I appreciate that Cosain Consultancy has given us freelancers a chance to learn about media specific safety in most dangerous places in the world, and for providing us with tools and skills that save lives.
I also had a chance to use Cosain security services while on the ground. Cosain provided me with an access to the apps that helped with monitoring my situation. The company provided me with immediate assistance whenever I needed it. I always felt like they got my back. This was important especially in the extreme places where you know, no-one else could help you. Cosain Consultancy is very well connected so during unusual situations on the assignment, they were able to immediately get me in touch with the right people and refer to safe places. It was as if having a virtual media safety advisor with you whilst you are in a war zone. They’ve been incredibly responsive and would answer within seconds, which made a huge difference to me and added to my feeling of safety.”
Photo credit Ioann Maria in Lyman, Donbas, Ukraine by Kseniia Kozeniuk
Recent Comments